"Yes, and..."

Like many others, I’ve struggled to voice my ideas in creative discussions. There’s always that lingering fear of being shut down. Let’s be honest—sharing an idea is vulnerable. It takes courage.

But one small shift can make a big difference: "Yes, and..."

Too often, we instinctively respond to ideas with “No,” “But,” or “Here’s why that won’t work.” What if, instead, we flipped the script? What if we met ideas with “Yes, and…”—building on them, exploring possibilities, and strengthening concepts rather than shutting them down?

Imagine how much more creative, collaborative, and empowering our environments could be. How many more voices would feel heard? How many ideas—ones that might have been dismissed too soon—could evolve into something great?

A small change in how we engage with ideas can open big doors. So here’s my challenge—to myself and to you: Next time someone shares a thought, pause before poking holes in it. Try “Yes, and…” See where it takes you. You might be surprised at what unfolds.