In the world of comic improvisation, few brands have had the impact of Chicago's world famous Second City. It has been a veritable learning lab for many of the world's greatest comics, including John Belushi, Dan Akroyd, Mike Myers, Gilda Radner, Andrea Martin, Martin Short, and many many more.
Second City runs a variety of corporate programs, from leadership training to teamwork. And one of their most powerful practices is getting their students to eliminate the word and practice of saying "But".
"But" is a power word. It is inarguably one of the most potent, and most abused words that humans have yet created. Most commonly "But" is used when someone has said something and the listener has made a judgement that what was said is wrong, impossible to do, or impractical. Often, the original idea is barely uttered - the words are still forming on the speaker's lips - when the word "But" emerges.
It says:
"Stop"
"You're wrong"
"It will never happen"
"It can't be"
"Obviously you didn't think this through"
"I don't think so"
"here is what I think"
and on and on.
All this in one, 3 letter, monosyllabic word.
That's a power word.
Oh, to be fair it is often preceded with "Yes", just to temper the negative slam dunk that it is about to level. But even if the "yes" is coated with sugar and honey, the power of the "But" emerges.
I would put to you that one of the easiest and most powerful ways for any of us to improve our leadership skills is to eliminate "But".
But is about stopping. Leadership is about guiding.
But is about saying "Here's what's wrong with your idea". Leadership is about "Here's what's great with your idea".
"But" is about "why not?". Leadership is about "What if?"
"But" is about managing people and their ideas. Leadership is about encouraging people and their ideas.
"But" is about controlling. Leadership is about empowering.
"But" is about Impossibility. Leadership is about Possibility.
And with what word does the venerable Second City suggest we replace "But"?
"Yes, and..."
By saying "Yes" you acknowledge what you have heard and acknowledge the speaker, no matter how ill-informed, inaccurate or impractical it is.
By saying "And", you become supportive, and force yourself to make something positive of what you have just heard.
You force yourself into possibility. You "plus" rather than "minus".
Do you want to create an environment where people feel energized to do great things?
One powerful way to start is simply by "Butting out"
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