Do you want to improve meetings and increase morale?
Have you seen creativity disappear the moment someone says something negative?
Whatever you do … don’t squelch creativity. This article will help you reduce conflict in the workplace and improve meetings by NOT using certain words.
Improve Meetings by Avoiding these words:
- Yes, but….
- We tried that before
- We haven’t got the manpower
- Don’t rock the boat
- Great idea, but not for us
- It’s not in the budget
- Silence….
Improve Meetings by using positive phrases
When someone says one of the killer phrases you can always put a spin on the statement by saying,
- “If we could try that idea what do you think will happen?”
- “If we did have enough people, how would that make a difference?”
- “If we did have money in the budget, what is the first thing that you would do with it to increase morale?”
You will be amazed at how fast conflict in the workplace is lessened when the team starts paying attention to these killer phrases. You will improve meetings and hear more laughter at work!
Improve Meetings by Adding Fun
My clients create ground rules to make sure that the team knows that they will be held accountable if they say the killer phrases. The team needs to be consistent and hold everyone responsible if the negative words are mentioned.
Of course…the idea is to add some fun in the workplace while you improve meetings and increase morale.
We don’t want to add more stress to your environment, so do your best to add a positive spin to this activity! 🙂
You can have the guilty party place $1.00 in a pot which can be used to give to the team’s favorite charity, pizza or ice cream. Please send me ideas on how you have stopped these negative phrases to reduce conflict in your workplace.
I want to hear from you
Add a comment to my blog on how you deal with negativity to improve meetings. You will receive a response from me because I enjoy connecting with my readers! 🙂 You are always welcome to send me a private email with concerns that you are experiencing at work. Send me an email here or share your ideas in the comment section.
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This is Joyce Weiss
Corporate Communication Strategist and Career Coach
Until next time, Remember…”You Get What You Tolerate!”
PS Learn how I can leverage my 30+ years of leadership consulting and coaching experience to help your organization address conflict resolution in the workplace here.