Using "Yes And" to Overcome Idea Chillers

From Day One of their training, performance improvisers are taught to say “Yes And” to onstage offers as a way to build interesting scenes and work collaboratively with their fellow players. For the Daily Improviser, taking a “Yes And” approach to life can go a long way toward keeping possibilities open while also maintaining positive relationships. By contrast, adopting a “No” attitude can keep us grounded in the status quo while blocking teamwork right out of the gate.

There are many subtle ways for people to say “No” without actually using the word. Listed below are some phrases and reactions people often use in meetings to immediately pour cold water on new ideas. These are usually used as a substitute for open-minded discussion of the idea, consideration of ways to make it work, and brainstorming of other ideas it might prompt. Chronic use of these Idea Chillers – especially when accompanied by dismissive laughter and sarcasm -  is guaranteed to stop innovation in its tracks, perpetuate Groupthink, and belittle and disrespect people. (To counteract the effect of Idea Chillers, try the responses in parentheses.)

"We tried that before and it failed miserably." (Let’s look at why it didn’t work and do it differently this time.) 
"It's too expensive." (How much do you think it will cost? What are the costs of standing still?)
"It isn't our responsibility." (Who is responsible? How can we work with them?)
"It’ll never work." (How can we make it work?)
"Management will never go for it." (How do we know unless we ask? How can we influence them to accept it?)

"We've never done it that way." (The old way may have worked fine in the past – but maybe it’s time for a change.)

"Great idea, but not for us." (Why aren’t great ideas for us?)
"That’s too much change, too quickly." (How much change is enough? How can we adapt the idea so it addresses the need?)
“People just aren’t ready for that.” (How can we gain acceptance for it?)

“Here’s why that won’t work …” (How can we address those challenges?)
"If it ain't broke, don't fix it." (If we’re not moving ahead, we’re falling behind.)

”That won’t fly in our culture.” (Let’s consider if it will help us meet our strategic objectives and live our organizational values.)
“I don’t like it at all.” (What are your concerns, and how can we address them?)

"You have got to be kidding." (It might sound a little “out there” – a lot of new ideas do.)
"It's all right in theory, but..." (How can we turn theory into reality?)

Keep in mind that the process of innovation doesn’t usually start with a fully formed, practical idea. If that’s what we’re looking for, few breakthrough initiatives will ever get off the ground. Instead, most creative changes grow from the seed of an idea that might not work exactly as expressed but that are nurtured and shaped through open-minded, freewheeling discussion. For example, there can never literally be a “Beatles reunion,” but failure to capture the idea during a brainstorming session can prevent a company entertainment committee from identifying a related idea (e.g., a Beatles tribute band) that could work. (And if the idea is shot down with an Idea Chiller, you can bet that no similar “out there” ideas will ever come up again.)