THE POWER OF "YES, AND"

Illustration by Phillip Leslie

​If you want to inspire the innovation spirit in your meeting, begin with one simple ground rule: “Yes, and...”

Here is why it’s important:

• It honors everyone’s contribution, building on everyone’s intelligence and ideas
• It creates an alert, conscious, light and fun atmosphere
• It allows for the flow of ideas and the creation of actionable solutions

BONUS: It even works when used sarcastically.

To save time and maximize your collective intelligence, use the phrase “Yes, and...” instead of “no” or “yes, but …”

Here’s how to set this up for success:

1. At the beginning of your meeting, establish your objective by answering “At the end of this meeting, what will we have accomplished?” Make the outcome crystal clear. You don’t even have to use the word “innovation.” 

2. Next, establish “Yes, and…” as one of the rules.

Here’s what you might tell your team: “Many times, when we are in team meetings, we use the words “no” or “yes, but ...” to make our points. Those powerful words can cut off the flow of ideas and solutions. They stop forward movement. “Yes, and” can eliminate negating words and attitudes. Think of volleyball, where the goal is to keep the ball in the air. Just as we would pass the ball to a teammate to get it over the net, we need to trust others with our ideas and know that they have the potential to improve.”

3. Encourage your team to try the sarcastic use. It breaks the ice and allows everyone to understand it really does work. (See “Yes, and…” in Action, below)

4. Proceed through your meeting as normal. And have fun.

A small shift in language (and attitude) can provide exponential impact in your team. These simple tools are ways to accelerate your innovation potential into a hard-wired reality. 

“YES, AND …” IN ACTION

Example 1

Facilitator: "Our vision for 2025 is bold."
Person 1: "Yes, and it will take all of us performing at our best."
Person 2: "Yes, and I know this team is capable."
Person 3: "Yes, and I'm glad we are discussing strategy today."
Person 4: "Yes, and I'm excited about my new role!" 
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Example 2

Facilitator: “The weather is really bad today.”
Person 1: “Yes, and it’ll probably get better.”
Person 2: “Yes, and the sun always comes out.”
Person 3: “Yes, and when it does, maybe I’ll leave early and go to the beach.”
Person 4: “Yes, and maybe I’ll go with you.”
Person 5: “Yes, and I’ll bring the sandwiches!”

This conversation (or something like it) has been replicated many times by practicing “Yes, and …” as an ice breaker. Notice how it doesn’t take long to turn a complaint about the weather into a beach party.

It just takes two simple words.

This is an excerpt from The Visual Meetings Field Guide: How to Facilitate Great Meetings for Amazing Teams - the fully-illustrated master playbook for turning your meetings into engines of productivity and culture.

​Get your copy on Amazon now.

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