A Little Less But and a Little More And
On Sunday, struggling Tennessee Titans quarterback Will Levis threw for nearly 300 yards — a personal best and the team’s season high. When commenting on the accomplishment, one NFL analyst was quick to add, “Yes, but… 98 of those yards came on one play.”
The words leaders choose can significantly shape team dynamics, innovation, and morale. Two common phrases — “Yes, but” and “Yes, and” — illustrate this perfectly. While they may seem like minor linguistic choices, their impact is profound.
The Impact of “Yes, But”
When leaders respond with “Yes, but,” they often unintentionally undermine ideas, project defensiveness, or stifle contributions. The “yes” may acknowledge the input, but the “but” introduces doubt or rejection. For example:
- Team member: “We could try a more creative approach for this project.”
- Leader: “Yes, but that might be too risky.”
This response can:
- Shut down further discussion.
- Discourage innovative thinking.
- Make team members feel unheard or undervalued.
In essence, “Yes, but” can act as a soft dismissal, signaling hesitation rather than support.
The Power of “Yes, And”
Conversely, “Yes, and” fosters collaboration and builds momentum, validating the initial idea while inviting further exploration. For instance:
- Team member: “We could try a more creative approach for this project.”
- Leader: “Yes, and we can also test it on a smaller scale to manage the risk.”
This response:
- Invites additional input, creativity, and problem-solving.
- Builds on ideas rather than shutting them down.
- Creates a sense of shared ownership and trust.
“Yes, and” keeps the conversation open and positions the leader as a partner in progress rather than a gatekeeper of limitations.
Choosing the Right Approach
While “Yes, but” may have its place when raising valid constraints, leaders should use it sparingly. Overusing it risks creating a culture of hesitation and resistance. “Yes, and” should be the default, especially when fostering collaboration, brainstorming, and/or empowering teams.
By embracing “Yes, and,” leaders signal that every voice matters and that challenges are opportunities for collective growth. Employing this small shift in language has the power to transform workplace culture.
Were I the coach of the Tennessee Titans and were I asked about Levis’ day in a post-game press conference, I hope I would be quick to build on the QB’s accomplishments.
“Yes, and…it proves what he’s capable of doing each time he takes the field. I can’t wait to see what he does next week.”
On Sunday, struggling Tennessee Titans quarterback Will Levis threw for nearly 300 passing yards —… was originally published in Horizon Performance on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.
