What small language shifts have made a difference?

At the very least I would change that into ā€œI think we need to change the login form validationā€.
While the ā€œWe need toā€ sounds to me like an order which should be followed, when you add ā€œI thinkā€ changes multiple thinks:

  • It makes it clear that it is your personal thought. A wish from you.
  • It changes from the style of order to the style of proposition. While you may still see some urgency, it communicates more that is a suggestion which can be discussed.

While there are still some ā€œI verbā€ phrases I would avoid (share your observation and need and not your judgement of others, see for details here), I think that adding ā€œIā€ improves communication by opening up space for discussion.

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