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The Essential Group

Leadership Development, Executive Coaching, Transformational Experiences

"Yes, but…"

April 23, 2014 by Kore

Change is hard. No doubt about it. I was coaching a client the other day, and I could just hear it in his voice – he started the session clinging to the status quo at all costs. As we discussed the challenges he has at work, his reply to every solution, technique, or possibility, was, “Yes, but… [fill in the blank].”

“Yes, but” thinking comes from a world of limitation and works to keep you stuck where you are. An alternative is “yes, and” thinking.

Apparently, improv actors are taught to work with “yes, and” thinking – that’s a big part of the secret sauce behind how they make those clever improvisational comedies that are still funny riff after riff and show after show. The way “yes, and” thinking works is, for everything you say to me, I’ll not only say “yes;” I will also add something to what you offered. In other words, I’ll build on what you brought to the table rather than resist it. This is a creative process bound to generate interesting ideas and unexpected developments. “Yes, and” is a conversation; “yes, but” is an argument.

Try on “yes, and” today and see what happens. The client I mentioned above agreed to try it and so far, so good. I’d love to hear about your experience.

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Hello, I’m Kore Koubourlis, founder of The Essential Group. I’m so glad you’re here! In this blog, you will find a carefully curated selection of concepts, techniques, and frameworks I’ve tested with hundreds of clients. Guess what? This stuff works! The tools you’ll read about here can help you tap into your deeper potential, gain clarity on your essential path, and master leadership essentials so that you get better and better at creating the outcomes you want. I share them here so that you can begin trying them out right away to discover a new way of working and experience results. I hope you find the ideas you’ll encounter here useful and inspiring. Why not subscribe to the blog and find out?

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The Essential Group Specializes in -- Leadership Development | Executive Presence | Personal Impact | Influencing Skills | Stretch Assignment Execution | New Role Planning | Strategic Planning| Business Collaboration | Stakeholder Management | Client Management | Navigation | Personal Growth | The Big Picture | Behavioral Change | Choice Points | Business Results | Balance | Sustainability | Transformation
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