As marketers and business owners – during this time when it feels things are looking down, rather than up – it’s time for a boost. When Walt Disney was dreaming-up and planning Disneyland, (a pretty impossible feat at the time) those working with him knew “no” and “it can’t be done” were never words what Walt wanted to hear.
Harrison (Buzz) Price, who did the original site and economic feasibility studies for Disneyland, put it this way: “Yes, if…” is the language of the enabler. You never wanted to tell Walt “No, because…” [1]
“Yes, if…” instead of “No, because.” That’s so simple; yet so powerful. Funny, how a small shift in wording doesn’t change the current situation, but can completely change the outlook.
Both approaches admit that something isn’t currently possible. You’re still stuck on the deserted island. But instead of “No, because… we don’t have a boat.” Your perspective changes to, “Yes, if… we could find a way to float off this place.” (Or at least until the Harlem Globetrotters visit).
“No, because…”
- creates defeat,
- creates a wall, and
- stops the conversation.
“Yes, if…”
- opens possibilities,
- creates a launching platform, and
- pushes the conversation forward.
Instead of saying, “No, because…” …we have no money, or because …of the economy, or because …they don’t hire ‘people like me,’ rephrase these as “Yes, because…” statements.
“Yes, if…” will make you a better problem solver, a better employee, a better spouse, a better parent… Heck, I’m not sure what it won’t fix. Rarely have so few words of simple advice carried so much weight.
Try it at work. With your clients. At home. With your kids. Let me know how it goes. You’ll find it very powerful.
[1] Quoted in Walt Disney’s Imagineering Legends and the Genesis of the Disney Theme Park by Jeff Kurtti
Thank you to all those who have ‘tweeted’ about this article on Twitter!
Thank you to all those who have ‘tweeted’ about this article on Twitter!
That’s a brief, pithy and extremely gem-like post! Time to share with my network.
Excellent post Paul!
It is so correct that by inserting the words “Yes, if” in to almost all of your responses to a situation that would normally result in a profound NO, you will actually achieve so much more in life and business and better the relationships you have with those involved.
As Barbara pointed out, it is a brief post, but very effective if put in to practice which is exactly what I am going to do now!
Thanks.
Jason D. Coles
3 Dogs Marketing
Thanks Paul! Yes if.. is going on my whiteboard as a good reminder.
It’s amazing how much can be learned from Walt Disney. He may have dealt with cartoons and entertainment but was a great leader/inspiration.
Positive attitude is the first step to overcoming difficult obstacles. If you’re the type of person that usually starts off by listing all the negative points you’re already setting yourself up for failure. Instead, think about:
- What are the opportunities presented by this challenge?
- Who would benefit if the challenge were to be overcome?
- What would be the most unlikely path to overcoming this challenge?
- Is this a real challenge or are you looking too much into it?
Just some reminders that we sometimes have to set ourselves free from typical constraints in order to become successful.
Great post!
Intriguing story. I bought the book you referenced looking for more details on Harrison Price and his “yes, if” conversations with Walt, but a quick skim hasn’t led me to anything (I haven’t had time to carefully read it yet).
Any chance you could help me shortcut to the page with more details?