Some statements are deal killers, dream killers, and idea killers. They begin like this:
- It’s all right in theory.
- It’s too difficult.
- It’s a good idea, but…
- Don’t start anything yet.
- It’s never been done before.
- It’s too risky.
- I don’t know how.
- Be practical.
- It’s not budgeted.
- It’s not good enough.
- It’s not part of your job.
- That’s not our/your problem.
- (Insert name) won’t go for it.
- It’s too hard to make it work.
- It’s against policy.
- It needs more research.
- Let’s sit on it for a while.
- We’ll get back to you.
- We have been doing it this way for a long time and it works.
- If it’s such a good idea, why hasn’t anyone done it already?
- It’s ahead of it’s time.
- We’ve never done things like that before.
- It’ll never work.
- Let’s ask everyone/take a survey first.
- Let’s discuss it.
- Let’s form a committee.
- Why bother?
At a time in history when things are challenging, notice whether your conversations are opening or closing possibilities with yourself and others. We need the dreamers, the doers and your imagination now more than ever.