The phrase that kills workplace ideas, innovation and collaboration

The phrase that kills workplace ideas, innovation and collaboration

You may have noticed in your meetings when ideas are introduced they often don’t progress – this could be because people are mentally shutting them down by answering an idea with the words, “No, but…” 

It’s amazing how just changing a word when we respond can make a huge difference.

Instead, if colleagues reply, “Yes, and…” It can be more productive and help people expand their thinking.

This approach is useful for everyone, particularly if you’re leading a session aimed at developing ideas.

Watch my video for an example of this in action.

Workplace mastermind groups - Solving problems and building networks from Penny Haslam on Vimeo.

Workplace mastermind groups: How to bring colleagues together to share expertise, solve problems and develop their careers

Introduction: What is a workplace mastermind group?

I want to share an idea with you that’s commonly associated with business owners. Actually, I think it’s something that should be more regularly used in the workplace. That is, mastermind groups at work so your people can solve their problems confidently and build wider networks across the organisation. 

There are loads of reasons why they’re brilliant, and often their outcomes are phenomenal in a way that you’d never expect. I’ll go into those in a little more detail in a minute, but a mastermind group is sometimes also known as an action learning set or peer-to-peer mentoring. 

Women in professional services

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Advancing your career requires a shift in the way you get seen by the people who matter to you and your career.

You could call that developing your ‘personal brand’. But don’t stop there. Get the cut through you need, to be highly thought of for opportunities by adding the word ‘profile’.

Ask yourself, what am I doing to progress my personal brand profile? Where am I being seen? And am I just hoping for the best? And if that made you a little uncomfortable then you probably need to take action or remain a best-kept secret.

The following list gives you 10 tried and tested, highly effective ways to showcase your expertise and the value you bring.

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Set your work and personal goals for the year ahead

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I’ve got a bit of a challenge on with somebody. I’m trying to convince them that having an opinion and sharing it is a really good idea.

Now you might be in the camp of: “Oh, no way. I’m not sharing my personal opinions anywhere or with anyone because that’s the recipe for disaster. That’s the road to ruin.”

I, however, believe you absolutely must share your opinions and your experiences and your thinking about things so that people understand what you stand for, who you are, and where you’re coming from.