3 words to say instead of WTF!

👋 Hey, it’s Jacqueline. Welcome to my weekly newsletter on strengthening resilience, negotiating from a place of strength, and standing out as a high performer. For more, check out my 3-month group coaching Resilient Leaders Program.

Read time: 6 minutes

🔊 This Week's Theme: 3 Words to Say Instead of WTF

Life and leadership throw curveballs. Instead of spiraling into frustration, what if you paused and responded with curiosity? This week, we explore how one simple phrase—"Tell me more"—can turn misunderstandings into momentum. Whether you’re navigating pushback, leading through tension, or strengthening relationships, these three words build the bridge to clarity, connection, and collaboration.

🔹 Power Phrase of the Week

"Tell me more."

A Power Phrase is a short, intentional expression that helps you lead with confidence, communicate with clarity, and navigate high-stakes moments. This week, we’re rewiring our reflexes. Instead of throwing up our hands in frustration, we’re leaning into curiosity. Why? Because these three words can shift a moment from breakdown to breakthrough.

Quick Tip: Next time you feel the tension rising, take a breath and ask: "Tell me more about what's behind that thought." You'll be amazed at what opens up.

🔔 Question of the Week

When something unexpected happens in a conversation, what’s your first instinct?

🔬 Leadership Lab

Mini-Challenge: The "Tell Me More" Test Drive

1. Pick one conversation this week Whether it's with your manager, your team, or a friend—practice "Tell me more."

2. Note what happens Did the tone shift? Did you learn something unexpected?

3. Apply it again Repetition builds habit. Try it in a new context.

Routine Integration Tip: Use this during your next 1-on-1 check-in. You’ll thank yourself later.

🌟 RSVP for my FREE virtual lunch + learn: Level Up Your One-on-Ones: The 7-Question Framework — discover how to deepen your impact with intentional communication.

📈 Trend Watch

This week’s articles for forward-thinking leaders:

1. Termination Sucks: When Your Job Breaks Your Heart – Harvard Business Review

2. The Job Market Has Been Resilient...Until Now – NYT

3. Tech for Babies is Booming – NYT

🌟 Ask Jacqueline

Q: What if someone shuts down when I say 'Tell me more'?

A: Try this variation: "I'd love to understand more about your perspective." Give them space. Appreciate what they do share. Your tone matters more than the words. Use silence as a tool.

Pro Tip: Follow up with "What led you to that conclusion?" or "How does this connect to our current goals?"

🎤 Quick Wins Spotlight

Personal Win: My Audiobooks Are Finally Here!

🛠 Implementation Corner

Remote Job Round-Up
I am not a recruiter; I am just passing along great finds.

Human Resources

• HR Rep – Fairview Health Services

• HR Coordinator – Kelly Services

• HR Generalist – Skinner and Associates

• HR Systems Analyst – CHOC

• LMS & HR Admin – DataBank Holdings

Tech

• Full-Stack Dev (.NET/React) – Appfigures

• Machine Learning Engineer – Bombora

• Back-End Dev – Appfigures

Marketing

• Marketing Strategist – Remote Rocketship

• Marketing Manager (Healthcare) – EVERSANA

🧬 Bonus Resources: AI Skills (Free!)

• [AI for Everyone – DeepLearning.AI] – 3 hrs – Beginner friendly

• [Intro to AI – IBM via Coursera] – 1-4 wks – Great foundational course

• [Elements of AI – Univ. of Helsinki] – Flexible – In-depth & accessible

📰 Podcast “Tell Me More”

Don’t miss this week’s Winning Season episode: "The Three Simple Words That Could Elevate Your Career" – Listen in as I break down the neuroscience, cultural nuance, and career impact of using "Tell me more."

Listen now →

☀ Lanyap Mornings

Simple Language = Powerful Leadership

(Lanyap means "a little bit extra" – and that’s exactly what this section delivers each week.)

When conversations go sideways, we often want a big fix. But often, it's the subtle shift that unlocks real momentum. The phrase "Tell me more" works because it:

1. Builds Psychological Safety – People feel heard, not judged

2. Creates Clarity – It invites depth over assumptions

3. Encourages Collaboration – Openness begets openness

Quick Tip Box: Write "Tell me more" on a sticky note and place it by your webcam. It's your new virtual sidekick.

Tag me with your takeaways on LinkedIn or Threads. And as always—

Keep emulating excellence and eliminating excuses.

It’s your Winning Season, XoXo Jacqueline