Relying on some common phrases when communicating with your team can cause more harm than good.   

Clichés and oversimplified phrases can erode trust between you and your team, writes Ken Downer in RapidStart Leadership.

“The more we rely on these… phrases, the weaker and less meaningful our words become, and the bigger the question mark in the minds of our listeners about what we are actually saying,” he explains.

Here are three common phrases that, when overused, can harm your intention:

• “To be honest…” This phrase and its variations can be used to try to deliver less-than-positive feedback, which can be a normal and frequent part of providing feedback.

“Maybe we’re trying to show our respect for the person we are speaking with – they need to hear what we’re about to say, and we think they can handle it without embellishment or spin,” he writes. “But if we feel the need to precede what we say with this crutch phrase, what does that mean about all the other times that we speak?”

• “Trust me…” Similar to “To be honest…” overusing this phrase can be damaging because it can actually signal distrust in the situation you’re using it in.

“While we may think it’s a way of convincing others to give us their support, bringing up the issue of trust at all signals that there may be some trust issue to consider,” he writes. “I don’t know about  you, but the minute I hear that phrase, it puts me on high alert:  I’m going to be a little more wary, and if anything I’m not more convinced, but less.”

• “No offense, but…” If you have to say you don’t intent to disrespect, you likely are following up that statement with something that is ultimately disrespectful. And that is simply unacceptable.

“This…phrase is a double no-go for leaders.  First, because it’s a poor excuse to make it OK to say something that maybe shouldn’t be said,” he writes. “And second, it’s manipulative.  Hidden in the phrase is an attempt to try to disarm the listener, so that when the unflattering words emerge, they have to sit there and take them without becoming offended. If something needs to be said, say it, but always be respectful.”