✨Small Shifts on the Outside. Big Shift on the Inside. (043)

There’s a phrase I’ve noticed myself using more often in recent weeks.

“May I suggest the following…”

Often followed by:

“If this doesn’t eventuate, we can deal with that separately.”
“Not to worry about that.”

On the surface, these sound like ordinary workplace phrases.

Almost forgettable.

But when I pause and really listen to myself, I realise something important:

This is not how I spoke earlier in my career as a manager.

Not because I’ve become less capable.

But because my relationship with responsibility has changed.

What looks like a small shift on the outside…

Is a big shift on the inside.

Earlier in my career, I equated being a “good manager” with:

It looked like competence.

It felt like pressure.

I didn’t have language for it back then.

I just knew I was tired in a way that rest didn’t fix.

These days, my language sounds different because my inner posture is different.

I no longer see my role as the one who must carry everything.

I see my role as someone who:

So, when I say:

“May I suggest…”
I mean: Here is one possible path.

“If this doesn’t eventuate, we can deal with that separately.”
I mean: We don’t need to solve every future problem today.

“Not to worry about that.”
I mean: You don’t have to hold this alone.

Quieter language.
Lighter grip.
Deeper trust.

Because people don’t just hear our words.

They feel our energy.

They sense when we’ve stopped rushing.
When we’re not scrambling for certainty.

That inner shift quietly gives others permission to:

Breathe.
Think.
Speak.
Try.

Small shifts in you…

Create real safety around you.

My role as a leader is not to have all the answers.

My role is to create the conditions where good thinking can happen.

That’s leadership maturity.

Steadier.
Spacious.
Human.

Notice one small phrase you’re using more often.

Notice what it says about the leader you’re becoming.

Notice the impact it may be having on the people around you.

If your leadership feels different lately…

You’re probably not losing your edge.

You’re evolving.

Till next week,
Mary