Do you know that by the time you reach 18 you have heard NO around 10,000 times?
No wonder we get used to hearing NO. What is worse for business is we get used to saying NO to others. NO to new ideas, new initiatives, new ways of working. The common refrain “We don’t do it this way here”If it ain’t broke, Don’t fix it.”
It requires an outsider like Starbucks to show what Nestle should have done a long time back.
This post is about how key decision makers in your organization may be operating and why it may stop you from unleashing the best.
Quite often people act from The Power of saying NO and Responsibility of saying YES mode. Let me show how:
Managers often will say NO to a subordinate’s plan for a new style or new idea or an innovative way of doing things. This comes from the feeling that “I have the power to say NO” and I am going to use it liberally.
However, when it comes to saying yes, low performing managers think “I’ll have to explain why this works. Tomorrow something goes wrong I will be blamed” so they feel a certain heaviness of saying YES.
Over time, the organization becomes “safe” and “follows procedures” rather than taking risks to deliver more value to the customer.
Now contrast this with what I am saying:
What if Leaders felt the power of saying YES. They should feel that they have taken one more step in adding value to customers. I have taken one more step in beating the competition. I have taken one more step in making my team think and deliver innovation.
And If I say NO, then I have the responsibility of not making any of the above happen. Not only am I crushing someone’s dream, but I am also reducing the company’s future growth potential.
Now if someone has this doubt “Hey, does that mean I allow every wild dreamy idea out there?” The answer to it is: judge it whether it adds value to the customer, beats competition or increases the innovation and growth in the company, If Yes, Feel the Power of YES.
As a leader, are you building this culture in your team and organization?
For more actionable insights for improving your Leadership, check out my book
