Years ago, I read Ego Is the Enemy by Ryan Holiday. There’s a story about George H. W. Bush crossing out the word I and replacing it with we in his speeches—he didn’t want to seem egotistical.

I tried that at work for a while, but eventually realized it was a mistake. For most of us, clarity beats modesty.

When everything is we or them, no one knows who’s actually responsible. Instead, replace vague pronouns with names. Say I, you, John from procurement, the product team. Make ownership visible.

One hand to high-five, or, as an old boss of mine used to say, one throat to choke.