Kate Mason, PhD, a former world champion debater and founder of Hedgehog + Fox, a strategic communications firm established in Sydney, Australia, in 2017, brings a wealth of experience from her decade at companies like Google and YouTube. Now an executive coach, Mason has identified a common issue she terms "imposing syndrome," where professionals, particularly women, hesitate to speak up or highlight their achievements due to fear of causing disruption or seeming bothersome. This self-deprecation, Mason notes, can undermine their professional standing and contributions.
Mason's mission, detailed in her book Powerfully Likeable: A Woman’s Guide to Effective Communication (released in September 2025), is to empower leaders—especially women—to refine their communication habits. Rather than critiquing flawed approaches, she offers constructive alternatives to foster confidence and clarity. Below are three phrases Mason advises professionals to avoid in the workplace, paired with stronger alternatives to enhance impact and credibility.
Phrase 1: "It’ll just take a second."
This phrase often stems from a well-meaning desire to respect others' time, but it can backfire. By setting an unrealistic expectation of brevity, it risks frustrating the listener when the conversation exceeds a second. Moreover, it diminishes the perceived importance of the message, undermining the speaker’s intent.
Stronger Alternative: Mason suggests framing requests with clarity and purpose, such as, “I’d like to schedule an hour next week to discuss A, B, and C. Does that work for you?” This approach signals that the discussion is substantive and values the listener’s time, enhancing the speaker’s authority and the conversation’s significance.
Phrase 2: "No worries if not"
Often used to soften requests, this phrase can misrepresent the urgency or importance of the ask. Mason points out that it rarely reflects the speaker’s true intent, as most requests carry some level of priority. When used, it may lead recipients to deprioritize the task, potentially causing delays or misunderstandings.
Stronger Alternative: Instead, Mason recommends specifying the request’s purpose and timeline. For example, “Could you please share your edits by this afternoon? The final draft is due tomorrow.” Citing a 1970s psychological study, Mason notes that providing a reason increases compliance, as people are more inclined to respond when they understand the context.
Phrase 3: "I’m not an expert, but…"
This self-deprecating phrase undermines credibility from the outset, signaling uncertainty and reducing the speaker’s authority. Mason observes that it often arises from self-consciousness, particularly when professionals feel out of place due to age, experience, or other perceived imbalances in a group setting.
Stronger Alternative: Mason encourages embracing one’s unique strengths rather than downplaying them. For instance, instead of prefacing a contribution with doubt, a professional might say, “Based on my experience with X, I suggest Y.” This approach highlights the speaker’s value and expertise, fostering confidence and reinforcing their role in the discussion.
Mason’s insights aim to empower professionals to communicate with confidence and clarity, shedding habits that diminish their impact. By replacing phrases like “It’ll just take a second,” “No worries if not,” and “I’m not an expert, but…” with purposeful, assertive alternatives, individuals can elevate their professional presence. Her book serves as a guide for those seeking to experiment with new communication patterns, fostering a workplace environment where contributions are valued and voices are heard.