Idea-Busters vs. Idea-Builders

Here are some constructive ways to respond to ideas. It's all in the way you say it!
			Charlie

	Idea-Busters	vs.	Idea-Builders

	Instead of busting an idea by saying…	•	Build it with language, such as…
1.	It just doesn't grab me	•	Tell me more
2.	We tried that before and it didn't work	•	What's different now that might make it work
3.	Who's going to do it	•	Here's a way to do it
4.	It's been done to death	•	Let's do it better (or differently)
5.	We can't afford that	•	Let's figure out a way to pay for it
6.	Don't fight the system	•	Let's change the system
7.	We've never done anything like that	•	…until now
8.	Yes…but	•	Yes…and
9.	The partners (board) will never buy it	•	How can we sell it to the partners (board)
10.	That's really off the wall	•	That's really on the ball
11.	Oh??	•	Yes! Let's try it.
12.	I like my idea better	•	Let's combine ideas and see how that works
13.	That won't work	•	How can we make it work
14.	The timing isn't right	•	Let's work out the best timing
15.	That only solves half the problem	•	Let's isolate what works & look at concerns
16.	Good in theory, but let's be practical	•	Great! Let's figure out how to make it work
17.	Great idea, but not for us	•	Great idea--how can we make it work for us
18.	Where'd you get that idea?	•	Bravo!
19.	It'll never work (fly, sell)	•	How can we make it work (fly)
20.	What will the board (committee) say	•	Let's make sure we address the board's (committee's) concerns
21.	I don't agree	•	I agree with (x and y) and need help in understanding (z)
22.	I have a better idea…	•	Building on your idea…
23.	It doesn't solve the problem	•	Let's connect this back to the problem
24.	(Any expression, body language or words that judge or negate an idea initially)	•	(Be silent…let the idea or thought sink in…look for the "good," then respond)
Remember…
•	Few ideas are perfect at first …give yourself and others permission to be approximately right.
•	Build ideas…and watch them grow into solutions. Credit others where it is due.

Author Charlie Hawkins is an expert in small group communications and the author of the book First Aid for Meetings, a complete guide to running effective meetings.

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