3 Phrases That Separate Operators from Leaders
On Point: Do Less, Win More Playbook
Image credit: Leizle Blanco
The art of leadership is saying no, not saying yes. It is very easy to say yes.
-Tony Blair, former Prime Minister England
The higher you rise, the more requests come your way.
Client work. Thought leadership. Mentoring peers. Internal white papers.
Saying yes to all of them is how many of us got promoted.
Though saying yes to everything is also how many of us get stuck.
I learned this the hard way.
Early in my career, I took on everything.
The work got done.
The opportunity cost was focus, energy, and burnout.
I didn’t lack priorities. I lacked the language to defend them without sounding misaligned or uncommitted.
That’s the real test of leadership: not how much you take on, but whether your time stays anchored to the work that drives results.
So I started watching the senior partners at my firm and the C-level clients we served.
I paid attention not just to what senior leaders did, but how they spoke.
What I Learned
The most effective leaders didn’t just prioritize well. They positioned tradeoffs. They used language that signaled clarity, confidence, and alignment with business goals.
Every “no” sends a message. The most effective leaders don’t decline — they reframe. Instead of vague replies like “I’m at capacity” or “Let me think about it” (which sound reactive), they narrate the tradeoff in language that signals clarity, alignment, and ownership.
Here are 3 phrases I’ve adopted (and coached others to use) that preserve influence while keeping your time anchored to high-value work.
⚔️ Phrase 1:
“To do this well, I’d need to deprioritize something else. Let’s take a look together.”
Why It Matters:
Reframes “no” as a shared decision
Shows you’re a steward of quality, not a blocker
Signals thoughtfulness, not hesitation
What Most People Say:
“I’m at capacity.” → Sounds overwhelmed, lacks leverage
✅ Your Move:
Use this when a new request conflicts with existing goals. It shifts the conversation from “Can we?” to “Should we?” without eroding trust.
⚔️ Phrase 2:
“That sounds like a valuable idea. Let’s assess where it fits in the broader goals before we commit.”
Why It Matters:
Slows the momentum of unvetted work
Protects you from reactive yeses
Reinforces strategic alignment
What Most People Say:
“Let me think about it.” → Sounds vague, invites pressure
✅ Your Move:
Try this in your next strategy or planning conversation. It buys space for real evaluation and shows you're thinking like a systems-level leader.
⚔️ Phrase 3:
“Given our current mandate, I need to stay focused on the work with the highest leverage.”
Why It Matters:
Frames your time as a strategic asset
Shows clarity, not inflexibility
Signals discipline that earns trust
What Most People Say:
“I’m not sure I can take that on.” → Sounds unsure, weakens credibility
✅ Your Move:
Audit your week. If your calendar doesn’t reflect high-leverage work, use this phrase to protect it.
The Bottom Line
Every request you accept or decline signals how others perceive your leadership.
Reactive replies weaken influence. Strategic framing, by contrast, projects clarity and intent.
Leaders who master the language to frame tradeoffs don’t just guard their calendars. They strengthen their influence and align their work with what truly drives the business forward.
Are you executing at a high level yet still feeling stretched thin or under-recognized?
If so, it’s not your performance that’s holding you back.
It’s your framing.
That’s why I’m building Executive Communication: The Language of Influence, the toolkit I wish I had earlier.
This is for high performers who are ready to be seen, heard, and trusted as leaders at the next level.
If that’s you let’s build it together.
🙋🏻 I’m in → join the waitlist here and share what you’d like to see in class.
Go for it!
Joselle
Whenever you're ready, there are 2 ways I can help you:
LinkedIn Executive Presence: Position your career and accomplishments with the same clarity you use to protect priorities — so decision-makers see you as a trusted, strategic leader.
Career-Defining Moments: Master the frameworks and communication habits that help you frame tradeoffs and show up as the leader your next opportunity requires.