Words hold immense power, capable of both wounding and healing. At 48, I can still vividly recall the times when harsh feedback from managers left a lasting impression. I've been on the receiving end of unkind words that would make even the most resilient shudder.

The workplace of the late '90s was a different beast, where some managers viewed their teams less as partners and more as subordinates. However, it was clear to me early on that the concept of servant leadership could revolutionize a company's culture and elevate its people.

A collective of psychologists from prestigious universities investigated how different types of feedback affect student effort and performance.

Their findings were astounding: one type of feedback not only increased the likelihood of students revising their work—by 40 percent among white students and an astonishing 320 percent among black students—but also significantly boosted their performance.

The transformative feedback was encapsulated in a single, powerful phrase that they termed "magical." This phrase not only shifted how students viewed their work but also how they viewed themselves in the learning process. It wasn't just about correcting a paper; it was about recognizing potential and fostering growth.

Here is the magical phrase:

^{“I’m giving you these comments because I have very high expectations and I know you can reach them.”}

Crazy, right?

Just 19 simple words that are so powerful, and have such a profound impact on human beings that the teams involved in the study overperformed profoundly.

I think if you dissect the phrase you can extract some learnings.

You’ve been able to tell the team members that they’re safe. They’re part of the group. Saying you as a manager have high expectations helps them see how special the group is. Assuring them that by simply being there - they’re special too.

Stating “I know you can reach them” is a shot in the arm for anyone looking for the support and confidence to achieve greatness. That statement instills confidence without any bombast. So it’s going to be well received because it will feel more genuine.

Use these powerful words to build your teams, to foster an environment of mutual respect and shared success.

Remember, the strength of a team is in its unity, and the language you use can either be the bond that holds it together or the wedge that drives it apart.

Choose your words wisely, and watch your team soar to new heights.

Keep up the good work,

Chris