The One Word That's Silently Undermining Your Career Growth!

Stop Saying “Just”: The One Word That's Silently Undermining Your Career Growth

“I just wanted to follow up…", ”I’m just reaching out…”, “I just think maybe…”

Sound familiar?

Women use the word “just” far too often in professional settings, and while it may seem small or polite, it carries big consequences. It’s a word that slips into emails, meetings, pitches, and conversations, often unconsciously. But here’s the truth: “just” is not harmless. It’s a diminisher. A qualifier. A subtle way we shrink ourselves and soften our power.

Why We Do It

Many women are taught, explicitly or implicitly, to be accommodating, avoid sounding aggressive, and prioritize likability. “Just” becomes a linguistic cushion. It helps us feel like we’re not imposing, like we’re respectful of others’ time or authority. But in reality, it’s a form of self-editing. We don’t say, “I have a question.”We say, “I just have a quick question.”

It's as if asking questions isn’t part of our job, as if we need permission to take up space.

How It Holds Us Back

Using “just” weakens our message. It undercuts our expertise, confidence, and credibility. It suggests uncertainty. It invites people to overlook our ideas, ignore our contributions, or assume we’re less competent.

Words matter, especially for women navigating corporate environments where confidence is currency. Leaders don’t “just” share feedback. They give it. Strategists don’t “just” suggest ideas. They present them. Every “just” we use is a tiny apology, a preemptive surrender of authority.

If you’re advocating for a raise, pitching a new strategy, or setting a boundary, “just” is not your friend.

The Hidden Cost: What the Data Says

This isn’t just anecdotal. Language impacts perception, and perception drives opportunity.

According to a Google-backed study by linguist Dr. Deborah Tannen, women are more likely to use qualifiers like “just,” “I think,” and “maybe,” which leads to others perceiving them as less confident or less authoritative, even when their content is equally strong.

A study by Just Not Sorry, a Gmail plugin created by Tami Reiss, found that women use self-deprecating language, especially “just”, significantly more often than men in professional emails. The plugin was designed specifically to help women recognize and remove words that weaken their communication.

The Shift: Own Your Words, Own Your Worth

This is about more than editing your vocabulary—it’s about reprogramming how you show up. Start by noticing. Read your last five emails. How many times did “just” sneak in? Then challenge yourself to delete it. Ask yourself: Does this sentence still make sense without it? (It usually does, and it sounds stronger, too.)

Here are a few upgrades:

• Replace “Just checking in” with “Following up on…”

• Swap “I just think we should…” for “I believe we should…”

• Instead of “Just wanted to say…” try “I want to highlight…”
  

Your voice deserves to be heard without a disclaimer. You don’t need to soften your message to be taken seriously. You don’t need to apologize for being clear, confident, or ambitious.

So remember the one word that's silently undermining your career growth. And the next time you catch yourself typing “just” — pause. Delete it. Say what you mean. And own it.

Because you’re not just anything. You're bold. You’re capable. And your words should reflect that.

Ready to stop minimizing your value and start building a powerful personal brand that reflects your true leadership potential?  I help professional women present themselves clearly, confidently, and credibly online and in the room.

👉 Let’s work together to elevate your voice, strengthen your message, and position you for the opportunities you deserve. Learn about the Career Accelerator: 8-week 1:1 Coaching Program.

You’re not here to play small. You’re here to be bold