I remember times when others around me, probably without meaning to, quickly squashed what I thought was a good idea. It’s usually those closest to you – family, friends, co-workers. I might have said, “Maybe, we could try this …” and they responded, “How in the world could we ever do that?”
I have probably also been on the other end, squashing the ideas of those around me.
I recently read Engaging the Hearts and Minds of All Your Employees by Lee Colan. He shared a list of statements that kill the momentum of passionate ideas and leaders on your team. Here are a few:
- That’s a good idea, but …
- That may be against company policy.
- All right in theory, but …
- Let’s be practical.
- That costs too much.
- Don’t start anything yet.
- That’s really not part of your job.
- If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.
- We’ve never done it that way.
- Who else has tried it?
- That’s not our problem.
- Is that what we did last year?
- Let’s wait and see about that.
Instead of discouraging those around you, be a leader who builds curiosity, opportunity, and risk. Let your team know that you welcome ideas and solutions, feedback, pushback, and crazy ideas.
Try these phrases that encourage and build confidence.:
- Tell me more …
- Why do you think that?
- How would that look to you?
- What do you see in the future?
- Where would that take us?
- How could this be accomplished?
- What are your thoughts?
- Thank you for your crazy idea that helped move us in this direction!
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