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Igniter and Killer Phrases: Which Do You Use?

Igniter Phrases That Fire Up People's Creativity

Here is a list of phrases that will ignite or "turn on" you people's innovative spirit. Check the ones that you --- as a team leader, supervisor or perhaps project manager --- are using to inspire great ideas from your staff?

Now look at the list again. Circle, at least three phrases, that you would like to become part of your leadership vocabulary?

  1. I agree.
  2. Let's go.
  3. Great job.
  4. Fantastic.
  5. Good work.
  6. What if....?
  7. Keep Going!
  8. That's a winner.
  9. Go ahead...try it.
  10. That's interesting.
  11. That's a great idea!
  12. Let's get right on it.
  13. I never thought of that.
  14. Keep up the good work.
  15. You're on the right track
  16. You're in high gear now.
  17. Real good...anyone else.
  18. I'm glad you brought that up.
  19. We can do a lot with that idea.
  20. We can always depend on you.
  21. That would be interesting to try.
  22. I appreciate what you have done.
  23. Are there other ways we can do it?
  24. I've changed my mind...go ahead.
  25. I'm very pleased with what you've done.

Killer Phrases That Squelch People's Initiative

Here is a list of phrases that will kill or "turn off" you people's innovative spirit. Check the ones you have said when you heard an idea that didn't make sense to you.

  1. Too costly.
  2. It'll never fly.
  3. It won't work
  4. Yes, but........
  5. Let's be practical.
  6. It needs more study.
  7. We tried that before.
  8. It's not good enough.
  9. It's not in the budget.
  10. It's against our policy.
  11. Too much paper work.
  12. Too hard to administer.
  13. You haven't considered.
  14. Why start anything now?
  15. It doesn't fit our program.
  16. Great idea, but not for us.
  17. It isn't our responsibility.
  18. We've done all right so far.
  19. Let's stick with what works.
  20. The boss will never go for it.
  21. We've never done it that way.
  22. We've always done it this way.
  23. Good ideas, but we're different.
  24. Let's shelve it for the time being.
  25. We have too many projects now.

Were you totally honest? We all have at one time said some of these phrases ...especially when under pressure dealing with unmet deadlines or costly mistakes or customer complaints.

The important thing is the next time someone comes to you with an idea is to stop, to listen, and to say something that will not kill, but rather ignite, that person's enthusiasm and innovative spirit.

Are you winning the team game? Here are additional resources drive teamwork up, down and all AROUND: Team Power Articles, Trade Secrets Presentations, Working Smarter Team Building and Coaching 4 Results. 

Make sure you sign up for Make Waves!, our free e-newsletter on how to lead better, faster and smarter. Bonus: 35 page ebook 101 Bite Size Leadership Tips with a BIG Impact!

Copyright 2006-2008, Marcia Zidle. Will you have a bright future? Are you ready to make your organization stand out in the crowd in competing for customers, clients, funders or community awareness? Contact us and let us show you how to make that happen. 

Would you like to reprint this article in your trade journal, newspaper, website, company newsletter or e-zine? See Note to Editors.