Thanks Devin. I think some of the phrases are relevant while also having formal/informal conversations with your direct reports. It’s important to remember a discussion is not about what you said, but how the other party receives it.

I also believe “Let me think on that” in itself is not bad as long as you support it with a timeframe and reasoning. Saying things like “I don’t have enough data points to think deeply about what you said. I appreciate you bringing it to me. Let me read some more on the topic and get back to you next wed”