Many business gurus are touting the ability to say, “No” as a sign of a great leader. Just search the web or Amazon for “say no”. Warren Buffet says that saying, “No” to almost everything is a key to his success. Even I have proclaimed saying, “No” to be an important technique.

But there is a better way.

Yes, and…

This better way comes from the world of improv. In improv, one actor will make a statement. If another actor wants to change the direction and he says, “No” the storyline is killed and the first actor is embarrassed. Creativity dies. Instead, the rule is, “Say, ‘Yes, and…'” This validates the first actor and the new direction is viewed as an expansion of the first point, maintaining creativity.

Politicians quickly learn to say, “Yes, and…” when talking with constituents, even if they only agree with 1%.

Yes, if…

You can make an even stronger response by saying, “Yes, if…”

Roy Williams, of the Monday Morning Memo, quotes Andy Bounds (whoever he is) discussing Walt Disney’s use of this phrase:

When asked if Disneyland could be built, everyone else said, “No, because…” but Walt would always answer, “Yes, if…”

• Yes, if we get someone else to pay for it.
• Yes, if we hire the world’s best experts to build it.
• Yes, if we locate it somewhere that’s hot all year.
• Yes, if we get transport links.
• Yes, if…

Basically, he is laying out his criteria for going ahead. This lists the major objections and turns them into a plan for overcoming the objections. This makes the requestor think about what it takes to get it done and forces them to consider the cost. Creativity continues.

Elon Musk is a master of this.

Can we move transportation technology to electric vehicles?

• Yes, if we can design an efficient vehicle.
• Yes, if we can produce affordable vehicles.
• Yes, if we can develop long-lasting batteries.
• Yes, if we can avoid the dealer system and sell directly.
• Yes, if…

Can we replace the local and long-distance transportation systems with a faster, more-efficient system?

• Yes, if we can move to a sealed tube (Hyperloop).
• Yes, if we can get others to produce the systems.
• Yes, if we can set common standards.
• Yes, if we can demonstrate the technology.
• Yes, if we can develop and demonstrate efficiency boring technology.
• Yes, if…

Can we provide affordable internet service to everyone in the world?

• Yes, if we can launch up to 40,000 satellites.
• Yes, if we can build affordable launchers.
• Yes, if we can develop and produce reusable launchers.
• Yes, if we can get the necessary electromagnetic spectrum.
• Yes, if we can keep the cost of satellites and terminals down.
• Yes, if…

Can we save mankind?

• Yes, if we can colonize Mars.
• Yes, if we can lift heavy weights to orbit.
• Yes, if we can develop and produce 100 large reusable rockets.
• Yes, if we can launch three per day.
• Yes, if we can get to the moon first.

You get the picture.

Sometimes it can be very difficult.

Can we offer this new service?

• Yes, if we can get the regulations changed.
• Yes, if we can get the law changed.
• Yes, if we can get new leadership in the House.
• Yes, if we can get California to secede.
• Yes, if…

Now you can make decisions without destroying creativity.

Try it.