The Language Of Leadership

Crises aren’t a matter of if—they’re a matter of when. How we respond as leaders determines how our organizations navigate the challenge. This week provided a high-profile, national example where inclusive leadership could have made a real difference.

In times of crisis, the language of leadership has the power to guide people toward solutions—or drive them further into confusion. The words leaders choose shape how people respond, whether they feel reassured or uncertain, united or divided. We’ve seen this play out in real-time following the tragic American Airlines flight incident and the response from the highest levels of government.

Rather than using language that provided clarity and direction, the president’s statement blamed diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies for the tragedy—without any evidence. Instead of uniting the country around a clear action plan, his language entrenched division further, placing the focus on a political agenda rather than aviation safety. This moment offers us an opportunity to reflect: What does an inclusive leadership response look like? How does language shape trust, clarity, and accountability in times of crisis?

The Power Of Language In Leadership

Language isn’t just about words—it’s about framing reality. Leaders’ words can define a crisis as a call to action or as a reason to panic. They can build trust or shatter it. Here’s how language plays a huge role in leadership when things get tough:

Framing Reality – Words shape perception. A leader can frame an event as a problem to fix or a catastrophe beyond control.
Trust and Credibility – Honest, straightforward language builds confidence, while vague or misleading statements create doubt.
Clarity vs. Confusion – In high-stakes situations, people need clear information, not contradictory or politically charged rhetoric.
Accountability and Solutions – Strong leaders take responsibility and lay out action steps instead of passing the blame.
Unity vs. Division – Words can either rally people toward a shared purpose or alienate and scapegoat certain groups.

The president’s response missed the mark on multiple levels. It didn’t provide clarity, reassure the public, or take responsibility. Instead, it shifted the focus to political blame, delaying real problem-solving efforts.

When Language Fails: The Cost Of Unclear Communication

Words carry weight. When leaders fail to define terms clearly or use language recklessly, the results can be disastrous—wasting time, money, and sometimes even lives. Consider this real-world example from cybersecurity:

Cybersecurity: “Incident” vs. “Breach” – Companies often use these terms interchangeably, but legally, a "breach" carries regulatory and financial consequences. Misclassifying a security event as an "incident" rather than a "breach" can lead to delays in response, regulatory fines, and reputational damage. Take Equifax, for example—the company's 2017 breach led to $700 million in fines due to mismanagement and failure to act swiftly. Precision in defining threats ensures quick action, legal compliance, and public trust.

Unclear, misleading, or politically motivated language causes harm. When definitions are vague, action is delayed, and trust erodes. Leaders must choose their words carefully, ensuring that their language drives solutions, not confusion.

What An Inclusive Leadership Response Looks Like

A strong leadership response in times of crisis follows key principles:

Acknowledgment And Empathy – Recognizing the human impact first. People need to feel seen and supported before they can process next steps.
Commitment To Facts – Speculation fuels misinformation. Clear communication should rely on verifiable information and commit to transparency.
Unity And Collaboration – Crisis responses require teamwork. Divisive rhetoric weakens trust and cooperation.
Focus On Solutions – A leader’s role is to steer toward resolution, not just react to the problem. Define the next steps clearly and take responsibility where necessary.

While I am not trying to be commander in chief, I know that leaning into inclusive leadership principles could have been helpful this week. The president’s statement could have sounded more like this:

“Today, we mourn the loss of lives in this devastating aviation tragedy. Our deepest sympathies go to the families affected, and we stand with those working to understand exactly what happened. Ensuring aviation safety is a non-negotiable priority, and we will rely on facts, not speculation, to guide our next steps. The FAA, the NTSB, and industry experts will conduct a full investigation, and we will take immediate action to implement any necessary improvements. Our commitment is to the highest standards of safety, accountability, and excellence in air travel for all Americans.”

This statement does four things effectively:

Acknowledges The Human Impact – Leads with empathy instead of politics.
Commits To Facts Over Speculation – No assumptions, only a focus on truth.
Unifies, Instead of Divides – Avoids scapegoating; centers public safety.
Calls For Action – Ensures transparency and accountability in aviation safety.

How Are You Using Your Leadership Muscle?

You don’t have to be a president or a CEO to make an impact. Whether you’re leading a team, managing a crisis, or guiding an organization through uncertainty, your words matter. How are you using your inclusive leadership muscle in times of challenge or crisis? Are your words creating clarity or confusion, trust or division?

The best leaders choose language that fosters solutions, empowers people, and brings communities together. The question is: Will you?

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