Welcome to the Leader’s Lens: The Perspective Shift issue!

This issue offers a fresh perspective and actionable tips to enhance your leadership this week.

Send me an email and let me know how you plan on implementing this perspective shift in your leadership!

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Each video (5–7 minutes) gives you practical steps, tools, and insights you can apply right away—designed specifically for those leading from the middle out.

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The Silent Signal That Breaks Team Trust

In a previous Perspective Shift issue, I wrote about the safety signals every leader must send those visible actions that tell your team: “You’re seen, your voice matters, and you belong.”

But a Leader’s Lens subscriber sent me a newsletter by Dr. Suzanne Wertheim called Worthwhile Language highlights one of the most powerful safety signals doesn’t show up on a dashboard: our words.

The Hidden Signal: Everyday Language

Dr. Wertheim’s article shared how our everyday language could spark inclusivity or exclusivity. If we are not intentional we could unintentionally cause harm to those we are speaking to.

Not all harmful language is obvious. It’s not always curse words or blatant insults.

We all use these type phrases we use without thinking:

• “You guys” instead of “Hey team”

• “He’s a good guy” when talking about someone’s character

• “Wife” when “partner” might better fit the room

These don’t look like red flags. But to someone on your team, they can send a quiet signal: “This space isn’t built with you in mind.”

Why This Matters for Mid-Level Leaders:

I am not asking for us to transform thousands of years of societal norms within your daily workplace interactions. That would be overwhelming, to say the least…

What I am sharing is that inclusive leaders recognize how our society is designed, who benefits (or doesn’t), and designs spaces within their own circle of control for a person to feel safe.

When our language doesn’t reflect that through our leadership:

• Trust Drops Fast: Teams notice when language excludes, even subtly.

• Psychological Safety Erodes: When you don’t address it, people assume it’s acceptable.

• Engagement Slips: If voices feel dismissed, innovation and morale shrink.

We can change that if we are intentional with our words, presence, and environment.

So what can you do?
Next time you catch yourself (or your team) using one of these “autopilot phrases,” try this:

1. Pause – Don’t gloss over it.

2. Reframe – Swap in more inclusive language. (“Hey team…”)

3. Model – If it’s you, correct yourself openly. (“I said wife, but partner works better.”)

These micro-moments tell your team: “I see you. I want this space safe for you.” That’s leadership.

Reflection Question:
What’s one phrase you use out of habit that might not land the way you intend?

In my heart of hearts, I believe that inclusive leadership is a muscle we can flex to create a strong team culture.

But like any muscle, it takes discipline and care for it to be effective.

This Friday, I am dropping an update on the resource, The Inclusive Leader’s Playbook!

I have been working on:

• A collection of 13 practices focused on building a more human-connected workplace through your leadership!

• A guide to reflect on your efforts to build that inclusive workplace community where every identity belongs and thrives!

• A structured rhythm and accountability centered on the book to help sustain your growth and momentum in community!

All the exclamation points!

Vote below so you can get the update this Friday!

Whenever you are ready, here are ways you can work with me:

• 🎤Speaking - As a Speaker and Facilitator, I will engage your team on how belonging and inclusivity can increase your team dynamics! ​Book Ray Now

• 🤝Coaching - As a Coach, I will help you enhance the power of inclusivity and empathy to be an effective leader through an equity lens! Book a Call Now

• 📘Consulting - As a Consultant, I will help strengthen your organizational culture to increase the employee experience and retention! Book a Consultation Now

P.P.S. - Thank you to those who have filled out the survey letting me know more about your leadership journey! I am excited to dive into the results over the next couple of weeks to provide you with resources and content that will support your leadership! If you haven’t filled it out yet, do so by clicking the link here!