Hosts: Ed Schaefer and Andy Siegmund
Episode: 10
Runtime: Approximately 38 minutes
Release Date: July 29, 2025
Website: leadershipexploredpod.com
Episode Description:
Language is one of the most overlooked tools in a leader’s toolkit—but it might be the most powerful. In Episode 10 of Leadership Explored, Ed Schaefer and Andy Siegmund break down how everyday language choices shape culture, trust, alignment, and ultimately the experience of leadership.
From corporate jargon and misused metaphors to subtle word choices like "just" or "we," the way leaders speak has a ripple effect. Ed and Andy explore how language isn’t just a means of communication—it’s a mirror of intent, a shaper of culture, and a signal of what leadership truly values.
In this episode, they discuss:
Why vague corporate speak erodes trust—and how to be more direct without being harsh.
The power of consistent “ubiquitous language” and how it aligns teams.
How metaphors frame the way people think about work (and why war metaphors might be doing more harm than good).
Why pronouns like we, you, and I reveal more than we realize.
The alignment gap between what leaders say and what they actually do—and how that disconnect breaks trust.
Whether you're leading a small team or shaping a whole company, this episode is a must-listen for any leader ready to wield language with more clarity, care, and cultural awareness.
Episode Highlights:
⏳ [00:47] – Andy shares how Amazon’s use of leadership principles created a shared leadership language.
⏳ [02:23] – Ed calls out the hidden damage of corporate jargon and euphemisms like “shifting priorities.”
⏳ [06:42] – The echo effect: How leader language seeps into meetings, Slack threads, and culture.
⏳ [08:50] – Ubiquitous language in Agile and why resetting shared definitions is essential.
⏳ [14:29] – The pronoun test: What “I”, “we”, and “you” really say about your leadership mindset.
⏳ [17:46] – Hockey culture as a leadership lesson: Take blame, give credit.
⏳ [21:28] – Why metaphors matter—and how war vs. gardening metaphors influence team behavior.
⏳ [26:27] – Golf metaphors and arugula: How out-of-touch language creates distance.
⏳ [29:03] – Words vs. actions: How misalignment between message and behavior erodes trust.
⏳ [33:36] – Habitual phrases that sabotage culture—and how to replace them with intention.
⏳ [39:46] – The power of removing “weasel words” to communicate with clarity and authority.
⏳ [42:00] – Final takeaway: Leadership language isn’t fluff—it’s the architecture of your culture.
Visit leadershipexploredpod.com for detailed show notes and resources from this episode.
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💡 Have a topic you’d like us to explore? Send us your ideas at leadershipexplored@gmail.com.
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