Two Words That Changed My Leadership and Mothering

There was a time when I felt completely stretched between entrepreneurship and motherhood—constantly making decisions, carrying the weight of everyone else’s needs, and feeling responsible for every outcome. Then, I stumbled upon two simple words that completely changed the way I lead and parent:

“You decide.”

At first, they seemed too simple to be transformational. But the more I started using them—both in my leadership and in my home—the more I realized how powerful they truly are.

These two words are not about letting go of responsibility—they are about empowering others, setting boundaries, and relieving the pressure of always having to have the answers.

How “You Decide” Transforms Leadership

As a leader, it’s easy to fall into the trap of believing every decision must come from you. You’re the one responsible, the one with the vision, the one people turn to for guidance. And while leadership requires direction, it doesn’t mean you have to carry the full weight of every single decision.

When I started saying “You decide” to my team, I saw something shift.

• Team members took more ownership of their work.
• Instead of constantly seeking approval, people became more confident in their decisions.
• The weight of being the sole decision-maker started to lift.

This shift in leadership is not just good for your team—it’s necessary. Research shows that leaders who empower their employees create stronger, more engaged workplaces, leading to higher productivity and satisfaction (Harvard Business Review).

Related Read: How to Avoid Burnout as a Mompreneur

How “You Decide” Strengthens Motherhood

As moms, we make a thousand tiny decisions every day.

• What’s for dinner?
• Can they have a sleepover?
• Do they wear the coat or not?
• Can they handle this on their own?

And while guiding our kids is essential, there’s also incredible power in letting them decide—because decision-making is a skill.

When I started saying “You decide” to my kids, I saw something shift there too.

• They became more independent in their choices.
• They learned to problem-solve instead of waiting for direction.
• They began to take ownership of their actions and consequences.

We often micromanage our kids out of love, but when we step back, we give them the opportunity to grow. According to experts, giving children age-appropriate decision-making power boosts confidence and resilience (Psychology Today).

Related Read: Giving Kids More Responsibility (and Why It’s Good for Them)

Why These Two Words Matter

Whether it’s at home or at work, being the decision-maker 24/7 is exhausting. And while there are moments when we do need to step in, there are just as many times when we can step back and allow others to step up.

By saying “You decide”, we’re not giving up control—we’re giving others the chance to grow.