Yes, And...

If you've participated in leadership coaching with me, you know I often challenge my clients to maintain a curious mindset. This approach encourages us to pause, ask "why," and reframe situations from a "but" to a "yes, and." This small shift has significantly helped me build on others' ideas while remaining open-minded, even when I disagree. I've been urging more of my clients to adopt this "yes, and" approach, and most agree that this subtle change has had a profound impact on many situations and conversations that were previously confrontational.

While I believe that disagreement is essential for diverse and high-performing teams, I also understand that it can be uncomfortable and anxiety-inducing for many. When we disagree, we often lead with "but," followed by our own thoughts, which can undermine the other person's point and put them on the defensive. We all know that when we say "but," it often negates everything that came before, making it challenging to have a productive conversation.

However, by substituting "but" with "yes, and," we acknowledge the other person's perspective and introduce our own in a way that invites collaboration. This approach encourages us to listen actively, find common ground, and potentially build on a point rather than simply waiting for our turn to disagree.

I wonder how trying more "yes, and" with our coworkers or loved ones might change the tone of our conversations. How could being more collaborative and seeking common ground impact our personal and professional relationships? I challenge you to try this simple change in your interactions and share how it affects your relationships. - Cheers, Dee!

Coaching Tip: Yes, And

Yes, and Maintain a Curious Mindset: Pause, ask "why," and approach situations with curiosity.

Reframe "But" to "Yes, And": Use "yes, and" instead of "but" to acknowledge others' perspectives and introduce your own collaboratively.

Promote Active Listening: Listen actively to build on ideas rather than waiting to interject with disagreement.

Encourage Collaborative Conversations: Focus on finding common ground to make discussions more productive and less confrontational.

Apply in Daily Interactions: Try using "yes, and" in conversations with coworkers and loved ones to improve communication and relationships.

Reflect on Impact: Observe and share how this change affects your personal and professional relationships.