"Because I Said So"

These words--whether stated explicitly or implicitly--are toxic.

Stated explicitly, these words create psychological reactance. People whom are told this, usually children, will often do the opposite simply because they feel their freedoms are being infringed upon. Saying this also makes one look like a egotistical jerk.

When these words are implicit the confrontation is more subconscious and subtle, but often times just as harmful.

If a partner or subordinate does not understand why you are requesting he or she do something, this individual is far less likely to comply with the request. The reason is simple: If this person does not understand the strategy or reasoning behind your request, he or she will not believe in it and will not, in all probability, get behind it.

Explicitly state the reasoning behind your request(s), and make sure each team member or individual you are communicating with understands the why behind the what.

This post (and all posts like this) is not meant to be preachy. It's 1) Trying to be useful by sharing lessons I have learned, either by experience or reading and 2) to have a convenient place to reference these lessons.