Forming strong connections and relationships is vital in both work and personal life, and having social intelligence plays a key role in this. To help you out, here are 18 phrases that are commonly used by socially intelligent people to communicate respectfully and supportively.
“Can We Compromise on This?”
This is a great phrase to help you navigate a disagreement in any relationship, and Relate says, “When you’re both talking openly about how you feel about a problem, you’re more likely to be able to move towards a decision that is truly fair. By talking it over, you can make a decision that takes into account what’s important to both of you.”
“I Respect Your Opinion.”
Everyone has different opinions and ideas, but it is important to respect these viewpoints, even when you disagree with them. Respecting others during disagreements or arguments helps to preserve the relationship and fosters a positive, inclusive environment.
“How Can I Support You?”
This phrase openly offers help to friends, family members, and colleagues, fostering a sense of mutual support and respect. Verywell Mind says, “Offering someone support in exchange for something kind they did for you is an incredible gift to give.”
“I Understand Where You’re Coming From.”
Even if you don’t agree with someone, this phrase tells the other person that you are attempting to see things from their perspective and are acknowledging their feelings. This kind of empathetic statement can also help to strengthen a relationship by showing genuine interest in others’ views and beliefs.
“I Might Be Wrong, But…”
Showing humility and accepting that you may be wrong opens up conversations, creating a space for honesty and learning from one another. It allows you to share diverse opinions and thoughts, which can lead to more creative and collaborative problem-solving.
“Thank You for Sharing That with Me.”
According to James Clear, when someone shares bad news with you, it can be hard to know what to say, but by thanking them, you help build a deeper connection. “What we fail to realize is that it doesn’t matter if you don’t know what to say. All you really need is to be present and thank them for trusting you.”
“Let’s Look at This Together.”
When problem-solving in a group, this phrase helps to demonstrate your willingness for teamwork and shows a sense of shared ownership of the problem. This collective effort helps to create a feeling of camaraderie and belonging for everyone involved.
“I Appreciate Your Efforts.”
Recognizing someone for their hard work positively impacts their motivation on the matter, helping you to get the outcomes you want by positively reinforcing their behavior. This positive feedback also helps to cultivate a supportive and encouraging atmosphere.
“Could You Help Me Understand…?”
Asking someone this question helps to clarify the conversation or their point of view, gain deeper insights, and avoid misunderstandings. Asking for clarification in this manner can enhance mutual respect and understanding, and by genuinely seeking to empathize with others’ points of view, you’ll build a stronger connection.
“What Do You Think?”
When you’re in a group discussion, one person’s thoughts or ideas can easily go overlooked. By asking them what they think, you show them respect as well as interest in their perspective. This encourages a more inclusive environment, which enables participation from everyone, helping to create a sense of belonging.
“I’m Here for You.”
Offering emotional support strengthens your relationships with others and creates a safe space they can utilize if and when they need it. According to Psychology Today, “Research has shown that knowing there are people who can support you if and when you need it can help ward off mental and physical health problems.”
“Let’s Find a Solution Together.”
This phrase helps to emphasize your partnership with the individual and your collaborative approach to problem-solving. It also helps shift the focus from the problem to the potential solutions, something that the other person may find relieving or exciting.
“Your Perspective Is Interesting.”
Although you may not agree with everyone’s opinions and ideas, it is important that you respect others’ viewpoints to build a good relationship. By recognizing and showing interest in their perspective, you’ll help to foster a more inclusive environment as well as broaden your own knowledge and understanding of the individual.
“How Did You Arrive at This?”
Maybe you don’t agree with an opinion, or an outcome isn’t exactly what you imagined. This question helps solve problems by delving into the other person’s perspective and gaining insight into their way of working. By asking them to explain their thought process, you might even trigger them to adjust or reflect on their work without you having to ask them to.
“Let’s Take a Step Back.”
When situations get tense, whether it’s due to a disagreement, a problem, or work overload, taking a step back can de-escalate the pressure and allow time to pause and reassess. This can help to provide a clearer, more objective view of the situation and promote a calmer approach to high-stress situations.
“What’s Your Ideal Outcome?”
Asking others about their goals and ideals will allow for more constructive conversations and problem-solving. By gaining an understanding of each other’s goals, you can work to find mutually beneficial solutions by aligning your expectations and efforts.
“That’s a Good Point.”
By positively acknowledging others’ ideas and contributions, you will boost their confidence and create a space for meaningful participation. It will also help others to feel respected and valued in their efforts, and this positive reinforcement will build their self-esteem in the conversation.
“I’m Open to Suggestions.”
Actively letting people know that you’re open to their ideas is a great way to encourage collaboration and create an open environment for different perspectives. This will help to empower individuals, encourage a sense of ownership, and create a more positive and responsible team dynamic.