Forget the “company culture” posters on the wall.
Your culture is defined by the uncomfortable phrases you’re willing to say.
We talk about “culture” with posters on the wall. But most of us show up for work wearing a full suit of armor.
We try to project perfection, hoping to look strong.
The truth is, real culture isn’t built with armor. It’s built with authenticity.
“Example is not the main thing in influencing others,it is the only thing.”— Albert Schweitzer
4 uncomfortable phrases to lead with more authenticity.
1. “I don’t know.”
Concept: Admitting you don’t have the answer doesn’t create doubt. It invites your team to find the solution with you.
Actionable Tool: The “Collaboration Starter.” The next time you’re asked a question you can’t answer, use this phrase: “That’s the right question. I don’t have the answer yet, let’s find it together…”
2. “I made a mistake.”
Concept: Blaming others erodes psychological safety. Owning your mistakes is the fastest way to build it.
Actionable Tool: The “No-Excuses Apology.” When you make a mistake, address it quickly and simply, without adding any justifications: “I made a mistake on [the specific issue]. Here’s my plan to fix it.”
To go further : Owning Your Mistakes: 4 Concepts to Turn Setbacks into Career Levers
3. “I need help.”
Concept: Trying to do everything yourself leads to burnout. Asking for help is a sign of strength and respect for your team’s talent.
Actionable Tool: The “Empowerment Ask.” Instead of struggling alone, go to a team member and say: “I’m working on [the project] and could really use your perspective. You’re great at [their specific skill], could you help me with this?
4. “I am sorry.”
Concept: Adding “but” or “if” to an apology erases everything that came before it. A genuine apology has no excuses.
Actionable Tool: The “Full-Stop Apology.” The next time you need to apologize, say the two words and then stop talking. No justifications. Just say, “I am sorry.” and listen.
What to do with this?
Either you find it makes sense, or you’re not interested.
The problem is that even when we are interested, we find it difficult to put it into practice.
We don’t have a problem understanding, we have a problem putting it into practice. I’ve never met anyone who doesn’t understand the principles of modern leadership. But I have seen many people (myself included 😊) who can do better.
Here is a method that I have seen work for me and for hundreds of clients:
The Director’s Method: A 5-Minute Formula for Deliberate Growth
1. Write the Scene (Intention)
Before the action starts, the director sets the intention.
Your Action: Look at your day ahead. Identify one moment, one meeting, one conversation. That is your scene.
The Director’s Question: “Where is my one opportunity to practice today?”
2. Rehearse the Take (Visualization)
The best directors run rehearsals in their minds. They see the perfect performance before it ever happens.
Your Action: During your downtime (a commute, a coffee break), play the short movies in your head.
The Director’s Cut (Past): Replay a past event. Edit the film. Watch yourself responding exactly as you wanted. Feel the confidence of that ideal performance.
The Next Scene (Future): Rehearse your upcoming scene. See yourself behaving with ideal composure and clarity. Watch it unfold perfectly.
3. Review the Dailies (Self-Evaluation)
At the end of the day, the director reviews the footage. Not for judgment, but for data.
Your Action: As you end your day, take 30 seconds to review your performance.
The Director’s Score: “On a scale of 0 to 10, did I do my best to show up as the leader I intend to be?” No judgment. Just data for tomorrow’s scene.
The bottom line
Your armor feels safe. But authenticity is what makes you strong.
These phrases are not just words. They are the foundation of a culture where people thrive. “The Director’s Method” is your personal training to build this strength, one day at a time.
If you’re ready to stop hiding behind armor and start leading with real impact, the next step is a conversation.
Let’s have a 15-minute call to map out how you can make this your superpower.
See you soon,
Dror
Say hello on LinkedIn
***
If you liked this article, you’ll probably like my newsletter. Join a community of ambitious readers who want to succeed in their careers while enjoying their lives. Register here and receive it every Wednesday morning directly in your mailbox.
***
PS: Whenever you’re ready, here are 2 more ways I can help you accelerate your career through coaching:
For aspiring executives:
Accelerate your ascent to an executive position: I help you create your global vision and develop a plan to accelerate your journey. Contact me and let’s find out if we can work together.
For current executives :
Increase your impact as a leader: You know that even small improvements at your level can generate significant organizational results and career acceleration. I’ll work with you on your project and guarantee the results. Contact me and let’s see if we can work together.
Leave a Reply