Want 106% more energy on your team?
Stop saying 'ASAP.'
Start saying this…

In meetings across corporate America, I see the same pattern:

One manager puts everyone on edge with, “No offense, but…”

The conversation stalls.

Another manager asks, “Can I offer a different view and why I’m leaning that way?”

The room leans in. People contribute. Next steps emerge.

Same moment.
Different language.
Different outcome.

This isn’t about being nicer or softer. It’s about translation that turns defensiveness into partnership.

Here’s how to close this gap in the moments that matter:

➊ Turns urgency into a clear agreement.
➙ Instead of: “Do it ASAP.”
➙ Try: “Can you deliver by Friday at 2 pm? If not, what’s realistic?”

➋ Invites learning and forward motion.
➙ Instead of: “We already tried that.”
➙ Try: “What could we try differently? What’s changed since last time?”

➌ Connects decisions to strategy, not authority.
➙ Instead of: “Because leadership said so.”
➙ Try: “Here’s the rationale and how it ties to our goals.”

➍ Shifts from blame to clarity.
➙ Instead of: “You should have known that.”
➙ Try: “I should have clarified expectations. Let’s align and set checkpoints.”

➎ Validates and surfaces useful data.
➙ Instead of: “You’re overreacting.”
➙ Try: “This matters to you. What are the risks you’re seeing?”

Notice how each translation moves from control to collaboration.
From heat to curiosity.
From tasks to shared ownership.

When you change the language, you change the relationship.

And when relationships improve, execution speeds up.

Leaders in our Sisters In Leadership program report that adopting these translations reduces conflict and increases follow-through within weeks.