Yes, and...

One of my norms as a facilitator with senior government officials is "yes, and..." I picked up this phrase thanks to an improve class I took a few years back. The premise is that you cannot build and move forward unless you open up a path for creative, complicated, hard, uncomfortable discussions. I offer this tool up regardless of the election outcome as I know many of my friends and coworkers with opposing election hopes are struggling.

"Yes, and..." is not about proving your point or changing someone's mind. It's about bringing something new into the space. And I think we can all agree that something new needs to happen as so much of what's going on isn't working for the whole of us.

I will warn you - "yes, and..." can make you feel vulnerable, especially when paired with my second facilitation norm - "use 'I' statements." No more "them" or "they" but rather I as a person in the community. Think about it:

Yes, and how do we also handle _____?

Yes, and I'm scared because of _______.

Yes, and I've not had that experience so can you share more to help me understand?

The new opportunities and connections are endless with this phrase... because Yes!, and I remain hopeful for what we can do together.

Emily Oehler is a Director in Grant Thornton's strategy practice who helps leaders move their people and organization forward. Reach her at [email protected].