5 Words to Demonstrate Leadership in Your First Management Role
Just became a manager and don't know how to sound like a leader without feeling like an impostor? These 5 words change how your team, your boss, and your stakeholders perceive you.
❌ The problem:
You know how to do the technical work, but you don't know how to talk like a leader.
✅ The solution:
Master these 5 words that the best managers in tech use.
Accountability
Taking responsibility for decisions and results, no excuses.
Why it matters:
Shows maturity and builds immediate trust in your team.
Use it like this:
Instead of: 'The team didn't meet the deadline.' You say: 'I have accountability. I didn't set clear priorities.'
Empowerment
Giving real power to your team to make decisions.
Why it matters:
Generates autonomy and commitment. Your team stops depending on you for everything.
Use it like this:
Instead of: 'Let me review it first.' You say: 'I give you empowerment to decide. Ask me if you need context.'
Delegation
Assigning tasks with authority and resources, not just 'passing work'.
Why it matters:
Frees up your time for strategy and develops your team.
Use it like this:
Instead of: 'I go to all meetings just in case.' You say: 'I do delegation. Andrea goes to the daily and summarizes blockers for me.'
Vision
The clear picture of the future you want to create with your team.
Why it matters:
Gives direction and purpose. Your team understands the why of each task.
Use it like this:
Instead of: 'It's what needs to be done.' You say: 'Our vision is to automate this in 6 months. Every step brings us closer.'
Feedback Loop
Continuous cycle of giving and receiving feedback.
Why it matters:
Improves team performance and prevents problems before they explode.
Use it like this:
Instead of: 'Annual review.' You say: 'We have weekly feedback loop. We adjust fast, we don't wait 12 months.'
Frequently asked questions
Why these specific words?
They're the ones successful managers in tech use the most. Mastering them makes you sound like an experienced leader from day 1.
Do I need to use all of them in the same conversation?
No. Use the right word for each situation. The goal is to have them available when you need them.
Does this work if I don't work in tech?
Yes. These words apply in any industry where you manage teams and projects.
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