How many times have you heard someone say “yes, but”?
“Yes, I’d like to ship that for you, but you can’t use that box.”
“That’s a good idea. I’d like to say yes, but this isn’t the time to try something different.”
Somewhere along the line, people were conditioned to say no. What would happen if everyone in the company had to look for a reason to say yes?
Excellent question! There are so many employees who have a knee jerk response, as if they are conditioned to say things a certain way. It’s like when someone asks, “How are you doing?” Our knee jerk, expected response? “Fine.”
Organizations would thrive by addressing this one issue. Imagine the difference if employees were empowered to think of a way to say yes… Everyone would benefit.
It’s so simple to change the statements:
“Yes I can ship that, and here is the box we can use.”
“That’s a good idea. It will be exciting when we’re ready for that kind of change.”
Not too complex.
Thanks for the reminder,
Jen
That is why they call it the motorboat syndrome …but…but…but….and then you run out of petrol!
Thanks for reminding me again.
i’ll loosely suggest some relation of this observation to fear- what some psychological schools of thought refer to as the primal emotion.
it’s natural to approach new concepts or ideas w/ apprehension. it’s how we protect ourselves. yes- in an evolved society it may often be a hindrance but it provides the framework of look-before-you-leap.
if hiking in the woods and you come across a pretty berry how likely are you to pop it in your mouth? then consider those hesitant to try new foods prepared in established restaurants. everyone has their own thresholds of fear and uncertainty.
Love all the comments – I’m glad that this resonated with you!