I Can’t is a Destructive Phrase
How many times a day do you say or hear the phrase ‘I can’t’ in your business? What about in your personal life? Pay attention for a day and see what you find – in yourself and in those around you. You may be surprised at the power this little destructive phrase is wielding over your life.
When I’m leading strategy sessions, I start counting when I hear the first destructive word, especially ‘I can’t’ or simply “can’t” , coming from an executive team. They don’t know why I’m putting those marks on the whiteboard. When I tell them they are usually surprised at the reality right in front of them. Then their expectations kicks in and they tell me why that can’t be true.
‘Can’t’ Stops a New Idea in Its Tracks
Can’t usually reflects a bias to hold onto the known, the accepted way of thinking, the pattern that is our safe way of doing. In our personal lives ‘cant’ often signals that we’re just plain stuck in a rut or biased against our own abilities. Regardless of the why, the results are always the same when ‘can’t’ comes to visit.
When ‘can’t’ enters the room – progress stops dead. Innovation and ‘can’t’ are like fire and water.
Sure, there are times when ‘I can’t ‘is the logical answer – schedules are booked, plans are set. I’m not talking about that kind of ‘I can’t’. I’m focusing on ‘can’t’ as the excuse, the thought-stopping negative, the tiny little word that deflates innovation and fuels the status quo bias. The ‘can’t’ that is our knee jerk reaction to a new idea or approach.
So what do we do with “I can’t?” It’s pretty simple.
Outlaw the ‘Can’t’ Word to Fuel Innovation
Sure, there’s more to innovation than eliminating a single negative word. There’s out-of-the-box thinking, hard work, great products and more. Innovation doesn’t come easily, we have to apply ourselves and focus our efforts to create, and then deliver, business innovation and distinction.
We want the fires of innovation burning in our teams. We fuel them, stoke them until they’re white hot. When we allow the ‘can’t’ word to enter the discussion, the fire is drowned, the chance for innovation gone – up in smoke.
Just for a week, fuel the fires of innovation with ‘what if’ and outright no-limits brainstorming. No negatives and no can’ts allowed – just pure, unfettered opportunity.
Then try adding a simple variation to further fuel the flames you’ve kindled.
