Discover the key leadership phrases that fuel teams, resilience, and Unstoppable Momentum during times of change, challenges, and uncertainty.
In today’s fast-paced world, effective leadership communication strategies are crucial for fostering a supportive team environment. Knowing what to say and when can significantly impact how your team navigates change and challenges, creating a space where everyone feels seen, heard, and supported.
However, simply being willing to communicate is no longer enough—we need to know the right words to unlock the critical sense of belonging, safety, trust, and understanding that we all crave. This guide provides a powerful collection of momentum-boosting phrases designed to empower leaders with effective tools to build resilient teams during times of change.
In my years as a transformational keynote speaker, human behavior expert, C-suite executive coach and avid researcher on change and resilience, I’ve curated a proven list of encouraging words and phrases for leaders as they help their teams (and themselves) navigate a world that constantly changes and never slows down.
These phrases help temper the whirlwind for teams, allowing them to sink into their thoughts and emotions, share their perspectives, and build collective resilience. For leaders, knowing what to say helps establish a foundation of trust and transparency, empathy and understanding, curiosity and connection.
Keep reading for momentum-boosting phrases designed to inspire leaders (and parents and teachers and coaches and friends…) to create a sense of belonging, safety, and understanding, essential for building resilient teams during times of change and uncertainty. Use them often—and keep leaning in, listening, acknowledging, and empowering others.
What To Say To Inspire Confidence
Confidence is contagious. By expressing belief in your team’s abilities, you foster a sense of assurance and unity. You may know that every setback is an opportunity to bounce forward and that you have faith in each individual to rise above, but this often needs to be said—out loud and often—for it to truly sink in.
Use these phrases to inspire confidence during difficult transitions:
- “I have complete faith in our team’s ability to navigate through this and come out stronger. There’s nothing we can’t handle.”
- “I believe in each one of you and our collective strength to overcome this challenge.”
- “We’re in this together. Let’s support one another and find the best path forward.”
The goal here is to go beyond “You’ve got this” (although that can sometimes work, too!). Use these phrases to open the door to a conversation that details why and how you know they are equipped for this change or challenge. Let them borrow your belief until they have a bit more of their own.
What to Say to Acknowledge Emotions
Validating your team’s feelings builds trust and shows empathy. In stressful times, these phrases can help team members feel heard and understood:
- “Your feelings are valid. Let’s navigate them together.”
- “It sounds like you’ve been dealing with a lot, and it’s been really stressful.”
- “I hear you. It’s okay to feel uncertain. We’ll get through it together.”
Remember, emotions can be tricky things to unravel, particularly if you’ve already had time a s a leader to process the change. Do your best to acknowledge emotions without taking them on or taking them personally. Listen actively without interruption or judgment. Resist the urge to solve, soothe, or downplay. Emotions aren’t problems to solve. They are a critical part of the process—and acknowledging them is the first step to building Unstoppable Momentum.
What to Say to Show Understanding
Demonstrating understanding and a willingness to listen can ease anxieties and foster a supportive environment. Show your commitment to your team’s well-being by saying:
- “I understand how you might be feeling right now, and I’m here to support you.”
- “Help me understand where you are right now.”
- “I know this change might be difficult and unsettling, and it’s completely normal to feel this way. I also know this: We can get through this challenge if we’re committed to working together.”
Keep the conversation going! Ask open-ended questions to dive deeper into their concerns and perspectives and meet them where they are.
How To Apologize for Mistakes
Owning up to mistakes transparently can build trust and respect within your team—and can often be difficult to do. These phrases will help, even if you only put them in writing to start:
- “I apologize for any oversight on my part. Please know it was not my intention to overlook your concerns.”
- “I’m sorry for any stress or inconvenience this may have caused you. I’ll do my best to resolve this.”
- “I made a wrong call here. Next time, I will [consider these things]. What else could I do to make sure I make a better decision next time?
To demonstrate that you are accountable and committed to improving, be sincere and avoid making excuses. Continue following up and touching base as needed as trust is repaired.
What to Say to Build Trust
Transparency is key to building and maintaining trust, especially during times of change, challenges, and uncertainty. Use these phrases to demonstrate to your team that you value openness and honesty:
- “I recognize that these changes can be unsettling. I want to be transparent and open about the process and how it might impact all of us.”
- “Please feel free to share your thoughts and feelings; it’s important that everyone feels heard during this time.”
- “I might not have all the answers immediately, but I promise to find them for you, and if I can’t, be honest with you about what I do know.”
Trust is just as much about talk as it is about action. Use these phrases and back them up by following through on your promises. Be honest. If you can’t share the whole story (yet), tell your team you’ll share what you can as soon as you can. In addition, encourage team members to share their thoughts openly, fostering a culture of mutual trust and connection.
What to Say to Create a Safe Space
Creating an environment where team members feel safe to express themselves is essential. Encourage open communication, connection, and trust with these icebreakers:
- “I’m here to listen to whatever you need to share, even if it’s just venting your frustrations.”
- “Your insights are invaluable. How do you think we can better approach this?”
Ground rules go a long way to establishing comfortable boundaries and safe spaces. Beyond the words you say, a safe space also includes respecting confidentiality and avoiding dismissive or judgmental responses. Safety also goes both ways. Make sure you and your team understand what a safe space is and isn’t. It doesn’t mean it’s a place to say whatever they want, especially if they focus on people (and not problems or feelings).
What to Say to Offer Support
Offering specific support shows that you are attentive to your team’s needs. Ease the pressure on your team members with phrases like:
- “I’m here for you, and I’m willing to help in any way I can. How can I help?”
- “Let’s explore what we can do to alleviate some of the pressures you’re facing.”
- “Looks like that project is a beast—I’d love to help you wrangle it. Where can I be of the most help?”
Your team will appreciate your genuine offer to help, and you’ll keep strengthening trust, building connections, and getting the work done!
What to Say to Show Appreciation
Expressing appreciation reinforces positive behaviors and decisions. Recognizing your team members for their attitude, performance, and teamwork can significantly boost morale and motivation during times of change and uncertainty:
- “I really appreciate your hard work and dedication, especially during these challenging times.”
- “Your commitment and resilience during this period have not gone unnoticed, and I’m truly thankful for it.”
- “Your contributions are integral to our success. This change doesn’t diminish the value you bring to our team.”
Keep the good going! In addition to the above phrases, try to provide specific examples of what you are grateful for. Commit to providing regular feedback and recognizing small wins to continue to fuel connection, engagement, and improvement.
“Tell Me More” – The Ultimate Momentum-Boosting Expression
If you remember only one phrase from this guide, let it be “Tell me more.”
This phrase almost always opens the door to deeper understanding and connection, and it can be used in almost any circumstance and conversation. Just like “I love you” or the joyous declaration of “Thin Mints Here!”, the three little words of “Tell me more” signal that you are genuinely interested in the other person’s thoughts and feelings. It’s a simple yet powerful way to show empathy and foster open communication!
Incorporating these momentum-boosting phrases into your daily interactions can transform your team dynamics. Practice using these phrases to build trust, resilience, and a strong sense of community within your team. By showing that you are committed to seeing, hearing, and understanding your team, you create a foundation for positive outcomes and a resilient team that is ready for anything—no matter what.
Feel the Unstoppable Momentum!
What is your “phrase” for opening the lines of communication and connection during times of change, challenges, and uncertainty? Join the conversation on LinkedIn here.
