How to use your words to create a vibrant, innovative workplace

One of my personal rules is that I try really hard not to say “no” in email. Ever. I don’t always succeed, but when I reread an email before I send it, if I see it, I’ll erase it and reconstruct the sentence into something that’s positive as opposed to negative. Because, as human beings, I think we’re just built to find that word jarring. You’re immediately on the defensive if someone says “no” to you, versus being geared to have a collaborative and constructive conversation.

I was thinking about this recently, when as part of a group email, someone led their reply with “no,” and it triggered me to analyze my emotional response to the "NO" and whether there were more effective ways to communicate at work. I’ve written before about simple and succinct communications. I want to build on that today with a discussion on communication tone – and how this can apply to both email and live interactions.  

Several years ago, I attended one of our (world class!) AT&T University training events where we talked about the concept of "greenhousing" ideas, and it was my first introduction to this idea that there are negative words that squash ideas - words like “no” and “but.” The training was based on the work of Matt Kingdon, co-founder of ?What If! Innovation Partners and author of The Science of Serendipity.

It outlined how “no” and “but” can lead to barriers, hard feelings, and when used over and over, even hopelessness. Not the sort of work environment that any of us want to be a part of!  

The alternative to "NO" and "BUT" is GREENHOUSING – using the word "AND" to build on an idea – to grow an idea – like you would in a greenhouse!

Greenhousing, in Kingdon’s words, “forces the growth of an idea by looking for what’s great about it, the DNA if you like, and building on that.” Using this method, an excellent response to somebody pitching an idea or giving a thought would be “That’s a great suggestion, and I think we can…” Instead of “Interesting idea, but…”

Many agree this approach leads to more positive, actionable results. For me, there are three good reasons why you might want to consider incorporating greenhousing into your daily communications.

1. It keeps conversations positive

Following up an idea with “no” or “but” introduces a negative emotion into the conversation. By practicing greenhousing, your conversations with colleagues can be more positive and thus promote positivity in the workplace. Greenhousing can prevent people from getting defensive and it reminds them that you value their ideas and opinions.

2. It encourages innovation

Diversity in ideas will occur when people feel comfortable sharing their thoughts. And once others help the idea grow, it can more easily turn into a plan to be pressure-tested and developed. The collaboration that comes with greenhousing leads to better ideas when brainstorming isn’t being hindered.  

3. It separates you from your peers and your teams (and your boss!)

The collaborative spirit that comes with greenhousing positions you as someone who is easy to work with and a joy to work with. It shows that you promote teamwork and value your employees’ time and ideas. And who wouldn’t want to be all of those things? Collaborative, approachable and respectful of others.

Greenhousing is a fascinating communication approach that I encourage you to research further. There are certainly best practices to make this work effectively. In the end, I trust that you’ll be pleased with the outcomes and enjoy the positivity and energy around your workplace. Fight the urge to say “no.” Think positive and see where the journey leads.

Try it for a day, a week or a month, and let me know how it goes!