The Power of "And"

I always admired how a former colleague, in response to suggestions or requests, would reply, “Yes, and…” rather than “Yes, but…” “Yes,” she’d say, “adding a new session is a great idea, and we’ll have to utilize some additional resources,” versus, “Yes, adding a new session is a great idea, but we don’t have the resources.” “Yes, but” focuses on obstacles (e.g. "Yes, but we tried that before"). “Yes, and” drives us to uncover possibilities, improves upon the original idea, and makes for collaborative conversation. Those, like my colleague, who say “Yes, and” earn a reputation of being people who listen and add value.

Then there’s the concept of the “genius of the ‘and’; the tyranny of the ‘or’” from business best-seller, Built to Last. The “tyranny of the ‘or’” we’re told, is an unnecessary limitation on the heights to which we can rise: Not lower cost or higher quality, but both; not higher performance or lower price, but both. “Or” focuses on trade-offs; “and” is the aspiration and insistence that one can have both.

What a powerful word - “And!” What happens when you use it instead of ‘or’ and ‘but?’

Have a lovely day and be well!
~ Sophie