#35. Leading with 'Yes' and ....!

Welcome to Growth Compass, your weekly guide to actionable strategies for personal and Professional development—without the overwhelm.

I know, I haven't been as consistent lately, but today, I want to share a simple yet impactful principle that can change the way you communicate as a leader.

Picture this: You’re excitedly sharing an idea with a colleague, only to hear them respond with, “Yes, but…” How does that make you feel? Dismissed, maybe even a little frustrated, right?

That little word, "BUT," can be a conversation killer.

It has the power to shut down ideas and, worse, make the person behind the idea feel undervalued.

Now imagine if, instead, they said “Yes, and…”?

That small shift, from "BUT" to "AND," can radically change the course of the conversation. It opens the door to collaboration rather than slamming it shut. The concept of "Yes, and" comes from improv but has since become a powerful tool for leaders and teams across industries because it fosters affirmation, collaboration, and psychological safety.

As a leader or as an individual , one of your roles is to create an environment where every voice matters, and different perspectives are encouraged and valued. By adopting this simple change in language, you can inspire your team, create a sense of ownership, and foster a more inclusive and positive workplace culture.

Plus, you avoid being that person who shuts down ideas all the time—making you more approachable and someone others actually enjoy working with!

How It Works

Some leaders, when first hearing about this principle, think "Yes, and" means they have to agree with everyone. Not true. It’s not about agreeing; it’s about validating. The "YES" shows that you’ve heard and understood the other person, while the "AND" builds on what’s been said to find a solution.

Here’s how this might look in different scenarios:

1) "Yes, and" for Leaders

• Team Member Suggests a New Marketing Strategy “Yes, that’s a great idea... ? BUT: We don’t have time right now.” ? AND: We could schedule time to explore this over the next quarter.”
• Giving Feedback “Yes, you did a fantastic job on your presentation... ? BUT: You need more confidence.” ? AND: Imagine the impact with added confidence! Let’s work on some strategies to build that."
• Team Member Asks for a Raise “Yes, I understand that you want a raise... ? BUT: We don’t have the budget.” ? AND: While we can’t offer it right now, let's discuss other ways to support your growth or future salary opportunities."

2) "Yes, and" in Sales

• Handling Price Objections “Yes, our price may seem high... ? BUT: Other clients are paying this too.” ? AND: That's because we deliver exceptional value, including quality, extended warranties, and flexible payment plans."
• Negotiating Contract Terms “Yes, I understand you’re looking for a shorter contract... ? BUT: Our standard is one year.” ? AND: Let's explore a flexible solution that aligns with your needs."

3) "Yes, and" for Conflict Resolution

• Handling a Disagreement “Yes, I hear that both of you have different viewpoints... ? BUT: You need to compromise.” ? AND: Let's create space for open dialogue. Who wants to share first?"

This isn’t just about words—it’s about a mindset. Whether you say "Yes, and," or use other variations like “Got it,” “I see,” or “Understood,” the principle remains the same: affirming and building on ideas promotes collaboration.

Give it a try this week! You might be surprised by the positive impact it can have, not just in the workplace, but also in your personal relationships.

Let me know—have you used the “Yes, and” approach before? Drop your thoughts in the comments!??

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Wishing you best this week and until next week!!

Much Love :-)

Priyadarshini Barik