Innovation and fresh perspectives are the lifeblood of any successful organisation.

Yet, certain phrases can act like silent barriers, stifling creativity and hindering progress, especially among women who often struggle to be heard anyway.

These phrases often reflect unwritten ground rules that can subtly but powerfully shape workplace culture.

Interestingly, you may even have said them yourself, because they are that common.

So here are three common phrases that leaders and managers should be wary of, along with what a better approach might be.

1. “We’ve tried that before and it didn’t work.”

In fact, I heard an hilarious story a few years ago of someone who said “We tried that and it didn’t work when Jeff Kennett was in power” (a telling 20 years later)

• Why it’s harmful: This statement ignores the possibility that conditions have changed, or that new approaches and technologies might make previously unsuccessful ideas more viable now. It also dismisses the potential for learning from past failures or new talent providing new solutions. For women, who might be bringing fresh perspectives or unique approaches, who are inspired to make a difference or who want to feel heard, this can be particularly disheartening. The phrase reinforces unwritten ground rules that support the status quo.
• The better approach: Foster a culture of experimentation. Encourage teams to revisit old ideas with fresh eyes and updated knowledge. Support calculated risks and analyse what has changed since the last attempt to determine if a different outcome is possible. Ensure that women’s ideas are given the same consideration and opportunity for reevaluation as those of their male counterparts. Once again, support fair air to share policies to ensure women’s voices are heard at decision making tables. Challenge the unwritten ground rules that prevent re-evaluation of past initiatives.

2. “This is the way we’ve always done things around here.”

• Why it’s harmful: This phrase shuts down any new ideas before they have a chance to be explored. It creates a culture where the status quo is protected at all costs, discouraging employees from thinking outside the box or suggesting improvements. For women, who may already feel marginalised in male-dominated environments, this can be particularly stifling. This phrase once again enforces unwritten ground rules that discourage change and innovation and in industries wanting to attract female talent this thinking will undermine best efforts. Afterall, we don’t want women acting like mini versions of men, we need women who are empowered to be themselves.
• The better approach: Curiosity is an amazing antidote to this style of thinking. Embrace a mindset of continuous improvement. Encourage all team members, especially women, to ask questions and propose new. Celebrate successful innovations and learn from the attempts that don’t work out. Make it clear that diverse perspectives are valued and essential for growth. Champion those trying things differently. Challenge the unwritten ground rules that hinder progress.

3. “You’ll have to bide your time and wait your turn.”

• Why it’s harmful: This phrase can demoralise ambitious and talented employees, causing them to feel undervalued, potentially leading to a loss of motivation and, eventually, to picking up their bat, ball and briefcase and going elsewhere. For women, who may already face additional barriers to progress and who sometimes even have to jump through more hoops anyway, this can be especially discouraging and can perpetuate gender inequality in senior roles. While the meritocracy word is regularly bandied about as an argument against progressing women, in fact this phrase enforces unwritten ground rules that delay recognition and promotes advancement based on tenure rather than merit. And it’s incredibly common.
• The better approach: Provide clear and transparent pathways for growth and development. Create opportunities for emerging leaders, especially women, to take on new challenges and responsibilities. Recognise and reward initiative, and ensure that everyone feels their contributions are valued regardless of tenure or gender. Promote a culture where advancement is based equally on both performance and potential rather than waiting in line until the time is right. Challenge the unwritten ground rules that delay career progression.

BUILDING A CULTURE OF INCLUSION AND INNOVATION

Good leaders understand the importance of nurturing a culture where innovation and creativity can thrive. By being mindful of the language you use and the messages you send, you can create an environment that empowers all staff to think differently and contribute their best ideas. Replacing these limiting phrases with more encouraging and open-minded approaches is a significant step towards achieving career and leadership success for everyone in the organisation. Recognising and challenging the unwritten ground rules that hold back talent is key to fostering a truly progressive and inclusive workplace.

Upgrade your language, upgrade your life, career and leadership journey.