Ever been in one of those meetings where the energy is as flat as a pancake and nothing seems to flow? We’ve all been there, right? The good news is that while there are reasons for this, there are also some super easy ways to turn things around.
We know that our most productive communications come from discussion, ideally in person. So we commit a good chunk of time and energy to personal development on this theme, fine-tuning how we can collaborate in the most effective and creative way! We’re sharing the headlines of a blend of courses, books and podcasts, in the hope they support your success in some way too.
The starting point is breaking down blocks – those pesky assumptions, anxieties, and habits that hold us back. Some of these blocks are self-made, while others are picked up along the way. Even sticking to a routine can be a block! Doing the same thing over and over, even if it works, can stop you from seeing new possibilities.
Busting those blocks
The ultimate block buster? The magic words, YES AND.
- YES makes you listen and accept. When you say YES, you kick your inner critic to the curb.
- AND encourages you to build on ideas, adding energy and moving your thinking forward.
Spotting the blocks
Here are a few block types to watch out for:
- ‘NO’ The ultimate idea killer.
- ‘Yes But’ A sneaky NO in disguise.
- ‘Sort of’/’Maybe’/’Perhaps’ Keeping your distance and letting ideas wither away.
Overcoming the blocks
Want to make your discussions super productive? Here’s how:
- Welcome offers – From yourself, others, random chats, images, or even a word from a book. Say ‘Yes And’ to these offers and let them fuel your thinking.
- Stay positive – Embrace whatever your imagination offers. Give ideas the energy they need to grow instead of squashing them with negativity. Apply this to others’ ideas too, creating a safe space where everyone feels confident to let go of their blocks.
- Be happy not knowing – Let go of control. Don’t force things. Practice saying ‘I don’t know’ and be comfortable with it. If you already know where you’ll end up, what’s the point of the journey?
- Aim for abundance – Be greedy with ideas. When you think you’re done, keep going!
- Hold ideas lightly – Stay flexible and ready to adapt. Don’t cling to ideas too soon; think of it as a first date, not a lifelong commitment.
- Don’t opt out – Resist the urge for quick wins. Stay curious and interested in what’s happening, without judgment.
- Aim low – Celebrate small steps as long as you keep moving forward.
- Collaborate – Be open to offers from anyone, no matter how unlikely they seem. Who knows where they’ll lead? And don’t forget to make offers to others too, energizing each other’s thinking.
By saying YES AND, staying positive, and embracing the unknown, you can break down those blocks and transform any meeting into a productive and creative session. Happy collaborating!
