As a leader, have you unleashed the power of yes with your team? In particular, are you offering unequivocal “yeses” as often as possible? Every leader or manager knows that saying “yes” to an idea, proposal, or request can positively impact morale, engagement, and performance. The power of a “yes” is that it encourages more problem-solving, initiative, and proactivity in a team and among team members. Unfortunately, many leaders are sabotaging or minimizing the impact of a “yes” by using phrases such as:
- “Yes, this is good and we should also…”
- “Yes, I like it. But, could you also…”
- “Yes and I would suggest that we…”
- “Yes, but first…”
While these forms of “yes” are still positive (and have their place in the language of leadership), they are also a form of yes with diluted or diminished impact. When a leader adds a term or condition to their “yes” they are saying to the team or team member that the proposal or idea isn’t good enough to be implemented as it is. Or, at least not good enough yet. Or, that it could be much better. This “qualified yes” can be disheartening and can decrease motivation and commitment.
Of course, there are times when the “qualified yes” is the smart choice. As long as it is a choice and not a habit. If you constantly, habitually, or unintentionally qualify all of your positive responses, you may be missing out on the power of the “unequivocal yes.”
When I conduct programs for organizations and associations on leadership and communication I often ask attendees what behaviors their leaders engage in (or fail to engage in) that enhance employee engagement or decrease employee engagement. One of the consistent “engaging behaviors” is the “unequivocal yes.” A “yes” with no conditions, no added value, no tweaks or adjustments. A “yes” that says to the employee or team “I trust you.” These “yeses” sound like:
- “Yes, go for it!”
- “I like it. Make it happen.”
- “Great idea. Let’s do it.”
Think about it. Wouldn’t you feel great if your leader simply said “yes” to your next idea, proposal, or initiative? As a leader, ask yourself if you are using this simple engagement technique as often as you could. Or, out of habit, do you qualify most, if not all, of your “yeses?” I encourage you to look for an immediate opportunity to give a “yes” without condition or constraint. Unleash the power of the “unequivocal yes!”
Pamela Jett is a communication skills and leadership expert who knows that words matter! In her keynote presentations, workshops, books and online learning programs, she moves beyond communication theory into practical strategies that can be implemented immediately to create the kind of leadership, teamwork, and employee engagement results her clients want.