From “My People” To “Our Team”

It’s something you might hear in a meeting:
* “My people will take care of that.”
* “I’ll check with my people.”

Even when it’s not intended, “my people” reflects a sense of ownership, reducing colleagues to resources that belong to the speaker.

Now imagine instead:
* “Our team will take care of that.”
* “I’ll check with our team.”

The difference is subtle, but powerful.
“Our team” emphasizes partnership and belonging.
It signals respect for the people who contribute.
And it shows the leader’s own acceptance of responsibility, because “our” means I’m part of this too.

On Labor Day, we’re reminded that work is never just about tasks, output and stock value. It’s about people - their dignity, their effort, and the relationships that make meaningful work possible.

And as corporate America faces enormous transitions, with AI reshaping jobs and organizations, employees need to feel valued as human beings more than ever. Language is one of the simplest, most powerful ways leaders can provide that sense of value - if they mean it.

The words we choose can reinforce hierarchy, or they can build respect, connection, and shared ownership.

Today - and every day - leaders can choose words that honor the people who make the work, and the success, possible.