We Should…

We should…

We should follow up with the prospect.
We should build a process for this.
We should focus on culture.
We should make a plan.

You get the picture.

The infamous “royal we.”
It sounds collaborative. Inclusive. Polite.

Most of the time, it really means:
We = You.
And someone walks away thinking, “Okay… I guess I’m supposed to take care of it.”

"We should" often translates to “I want you to.”
But instead of saying:

• Can you…?

• Will you…?

• Would you be able to…?

We soften it with we. Not because we’re manipulative, but because we don’t want to be pushy or make someone uncomfortable.

The irony?
While trying to be kind, we create confusion at best, resentment at worst.

Next time you catch yourself saying “We should…” ask:

• Do I really mean we?

• Or do I actually mean you?

• Or… me?

Clarity isn't rude.
Ambiguity is.

Cheers.