Q: I’m trying to motivate my team to think innovatively, and one member drives me crazy with her quick phrases that kill any brainstorming we might have been doing. My biggest pet peeves are when she says things like:

“We can’t do that here.”

or

“We’ve already tried that before and it didn’t work.”

Am I correct to demand that these types of statements not be allowed in a brainstorming session?

Sincerely,
Pessimistic-resistant Pet Peeved off

A: Ahhhh… I empathize with your pet peeve. When I was the Director for a Social Service agency, I heard these and other similar phrases alllll the time! It drove me crazy too.

In fact, I DID make a rule that certain “killer phrases” weren’t allowed EVER when introducing important changes within the company.

Ultimately, proving that it CAN be done, and that innovation WILL happen, will be your best strategy to curbing these statements. After all, no one wants to look stupid, and when you’re proved “wrong” it’s more than embarrassing.

I recently came across a blog by that highlighted the 50 Phrases that Kill Creativity that’s worth reviewing.

Here are my “favorites” that make me laugh and cringe at the same time when I hear them:

That’s not my job. URRRRRRGH! Drives me nutz!

It’s against company policy. Another one that I cringe everytime I hear it.

I’m not saying you’re wrong BUT…

Actually - “BUT” anything is a strict “no-no” in my Coaching relationships.

Good thought, but impractical.

And my last three personal favorites:

It’s impossible.

If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.

It can’t be done. (Then I go out and show how it CAN be done.)

Check out the other 50 Phrases that David A. Dufour created on his blog - at least to get a chuckle that “you’re not alone” with your pet peeves and thoughts about negative phrases, and at best to post it to the door of your office - almost like the 95 Theses.