6 Words That Instantly Kill Buy-In

You want your team to take ownership. To engage. To believe in the direction you’re heading. And yet—sometimes, even with the best of intentions, your words clip their wings. You’re aiming to inspire action, but what lands is confusion, resentment, or resistance. That disconnect? It often starts with language—and learning how to improve team buy-in.

Leadership language matters. It’s not just what you say—it’s what they hear. And in the fast-moving, often turbulent air of business, even one poorly chosen word can throw your message off course. If your team seems reluctant to buy in, don’t just look at their attitudes—take a closer look at your own vocabulary.

So let’s call it out. If you want to improve team buy-in, you’ll need to ditch a few familiar phrases that quietly sabotage your efforts. These six little words can create big drag in your leadership lift.

Want to Know How to Improve Team Buy-In? Start With Your Words.

If you want to know how to improve team buy-in, start by dropping these familiar—but fatal—phrases:

• “Should” – Sounds like blame. It can trigger guilt or defensiveness, not action. Try “next time” or “how about we…” instead.
• “Always” – Nobody is always anything. This word shuts down dialogue and feels accusatory.
• “But” – It erases everything you just said. Try “and” to build instead of block.
• “Obviously” – Ouch. If it were obvious, no one would need to say it. It dismisses others’ perspectives.
• “Try” – As Yoda said, “Do or do not. There is no try.” Be clear. Be committed.
• “Just” – “Just do this” makes the task sound small—and the person feel smaller.

Buy-in doesn’t come from barking orders.

It comes from trust, clarity, and a sense of ownership. And that starts with the words you choose.

I can help you and your team spot the patterns that stall your momentum and coach you on how to improve team buy-in—without buzzwords or burnout. You haven’t peaked yet!