Priming Language cont.
Priming Language Summary Sheet (for change leaders)
It is designed for quick reference for emails, meetings, workshops, and other change communications.
1. Positive Outcome/Opportunity
| Words | Example Phrases |
|---|---|
| 1.1 Opportunity | “This change gives us the opportunity to streamline processes.” |
| 1.2 Growth | “We are focused on growth and improving capabilities.” |
| 1.3 Progress | “Each step is helping us make progress toward our goals.” |
| 1.4 Improvement | “These changes drive continuous improvement across teams.” |
| 1.5 Success | “Together, we can achieve success in this initiative.” |
| 1.6 Potential | “Unlock the potential of our new tools and ways of working.” |
| 1.7 Future-focused | “This initiative positions us in a future-focused way.” |
| 1.8 Advantage | “This change gives us a competitive advantage.” |
2. Collaboration and Inclusion
| Words | Example Phrases |
|---|---|
| 2.1 Together | “We are tackling this together.” |
| 2.2 Teamwork | “Strong teamwork will make this change successful.” |
| 2.3 Shared goals | “Our shared goals guide our decisions.” |
| 2.4 Collaboration | “Collaboration is key to achieving results.” |
| 2.5 Partnership | “We value your partnership in this process.” |
| 2.6 Collective success | “We celebrate collective success along the way.” |
| 2.7 Input valued | “Your input is valued and will shape outcomes.” |
3. Learning and Development
| Words | Example Phrases |
|---|---|
| 3.1 Learn | “This is a chance to learn new skills.” |
| 3.2 Develop | “We can develop innovative approaches together.” |
| 3.3 Upskill | “Opportunities to upskill will be provided.” |
| 3.4 Explore | “Let’s explore new ways of working.” |
| 3.5 Experiment | “It’s safe to experiment with new solutions.” |
| 3.6 Growth mindset | “We encourage a growth mindset in all teams.” |
| 3.7 Continuous improvement | “This supports continuous improvement.” |
4. Progress and Momentum
| Words | Example Phrases |
|---|---|
| 4.1 Step forward | “Every milestone is a step forward.” |
| 4.2 Move ahead | “We are ready to move ahead with confidence.” |
| 4.3 Achieve | “Together, we can achieve great outcomes.” |
| 4.4 Milestones | “Let’s celebrate the milestones we reach.” |
| 4.5 Momentum | “We are building strong momentum in this project.” |
| 4.6 Forward-thinking | “Our forward-thinking approach drives innovation.” |
| 4.7 Evolution | “This initiative represents an evolution in how we work.” |
5. Stability and Reassurance
| Words | Example Phrases |
|---|---|
| 5.1 Support | “You will have support throughout this journey.” |
| 5.2 Safe to try | “It’s safe to try new approaches here.” |
| 5.3 Guidance | “We provide guidance at each step.” |
| 5.4 Structured | “The process is structured to make it manageable.” |
| 5.5 Confidence | “You can proceed with confidence.” |
| 5.6 Reliable | “This framework is reliable and tested.” |
| 5.7 Steady | “We will maintain a steady pace through the change.” |
6. Innovation and Creativity
| Words | Example Phrases |
|---|---|
| 6.1 Innovative | “We’re adopting innovative solutions.” |
| 6.2 New approaches | “Let’s try new approaches to improve outcomes.” |
| 6.3 Solutions-focused | “Stay solutions-focused when challenges arise.” |
| 6.4 Creative | “We encourage creative thinking in teams.” |
| 6.5 Modern | “This brings modern ways of working to the organisation.” |
| 6.6 Future-ready | “We aim to become future-ready in our operations.” |
Tips for Using Priming Language
- Be consistent (repeat key words across emails, meetings and workshops, etc.)
- Pair with visuals (icons, avatars, and progress indicators reinforce messages, etc.)
- Use early and often (prime employees before introducing tasks or new concepts, etc.)
- Mix in stories/metaphors (eg, “journey,” “building,” “unlocking potential”, etc.)
- Avoid fear-based framing (focus on opportunities instead of threats, etc.)
(main source: John A. Bargh et al, 1999)