Have you ever noticed that many people tend to say “I’ll try” when asked if they can do something? What does that really mean? In most cases, when a person responds that they will try, it is simply a polite way of making an excuse in advance. When someone says “I’ll try,” instead of saying “I will,” it usually indicates something about that individual.

It can indicate a lack of confidence, that the individual is not sure that they can perform the act. However, if that is the case, and the individual is not sure that he or she is capable, he should ask for or ask for help or guidance, or simply say that he is not sure that he can accomplish what is being asked of him. The reason why saying “I’ll try” causes additional challenges to the process is that an untrained listener believes that the person who answers “I’ll try” will actually do exactly that: try. Most of the time, the person who says that he’ll try doesn’t do much of a try at all, because he consciously or subconsciously believes that saying he’ll try somehow gets him off the hook, akin to doing homework. -ers.

“I’ll try” is another one of those unconsciously negative statements that many people use. Saying “I’ll try” often means “leave me alone,” but the person is trying to be polite! “I’ll try” also indicates a degree of disdain and lack of urgency in performing the act. If an individual says that he will try, he is really saying that if he can do it, and if he does, then it will. “I’ll try” is a mere cliché and the sign of a weak leader, if used by someone in a leadership position in an organization.

An effective leader thinks in terms of doing and achieving, rather than trying. It’s very similar to the mentality of someone who calls something a problem versus the more positive, results-oriented, “can do” mentality of someone who sees something simply as a challenge.

Much of the difference between an effective and ineffective leader is perception. A strong leader sees challenges that can be overcome with effort and doing, while a weaker “leader” sees problems in clear pixels, and while he will try, he probably won’t make it. What type of individual would you prefer in a leadership position?

The next time you undertake a task, don’t think in terms of intent. Rather, think in terms of doing and achieving the goal. Put yourself in my mindset and framework to do something, and chances are you’ll do it. Think in terms of trying and most of the time, you won’t!