Today, I'm fired up to talk about leadership - specifically, the insane power of saying "YES" way more than you say "NO." But before we dive into that, let's rewind to a movie that nails this vibe: Yes Man with Jim Carrey.
In Yes Man, Jim Carrey plays Carl, a dude who's basically allergic to life. He's saying "no" to everything - opportunities, fun, you name it. He's stuck, miserable, and, honestly, a little pathetic. Then he hits this self-help seminar that flips his world upside down: say "yes" to everything. At first, it's a mess - crazy situations, wild adventures - but here's the real punch: by saying "yes," Carl grows. He steps out of his shell, takes risks, and transforms into someone who's actually living. It's hilarious but also a wake-up call about what happens when you stop shutting doors and start opening them.
Now, let's bring this into leadership. I've got a question for you, and I want you to sit with it: What would your leadership be like if you said YES significantly more than NO?
Think about it. Most managers out there? They're the "NO" people. "You shouldn't do that." "That's not allowed." "I can't give you a raise." "I'll have to run it up the chain" - and we all know that's code for "NO" dressed up in corporate BS. It'slike their default setting is to block, control, and keep things safe. But safe doesn't win. Safe doesn't grow. Safe doesn't inspire. So, what if you flipped that script and started saying "YES" instead?
Here's what happens when you do. First, your team gets fearless. When they hear "yes," they stop second-guessing themselves.
They're not tiptoeing around waiting for rejection - they're charging forward, knowing you've got their back. Second, they start taking more chances. "Yes" is rocket fuel for risk-taking, and while not every swing's a home run, the ones that connect can change the game. Third, they grow out of their comfort zones. Saying "yes" pushes people to stretch, to try what they'd never dare otherwise. And finally, you get more creativity. When ideas aren't shot down instantly, your team stops playing small. They bring the wild, the bold, the out-of-the-box stuff - and that's where innovation lives. This is the potential for growth and transformation that saying 'YES' can unlock in your team.
Now, I'm not saying you should say "yes" to every crazy thing that comes across your desk. There's reality - budgets, rules, all that jazz. But you can shift your mindset and make "YES" your starting point. So, how do you actually do this? Here are three action steps to get you rolling:
Challenge Your Default "NO" - Next time you're about to say "no," stop. Ask yourself: "Why am I shutting this down? Is it impossible, or am I too lazy to figure it out?" If it's the latter, say "yes" and watch what happens. You'll be shocked at how often it works out.
Say "YES" with Guardrails - Don't just unleash chaos. Give a "yes" with structure. Like, "Yes, let's try that campaign, but start with a $500 test run and show me the data." It's a green light that keeps things smart.
Celebrate Wins, Learn from Losses - When a "yes" pays off, shout it from the rooftops - let your team know the risk is rewarded. When it flops, don't point fingers. Break it down, figure out what's next, and keep moving. That's how you, as a leader, build a "yes" culture. It's your responsibility to foster this culture and empower your team.
Leadership isn't about being the gatekeeper - it's about being the accelerator. Saying "YES" more often isn't reckless; it's trust, it's empowerment, it's growth. So, start today. Flip that "no" habit on its head. Say "YES" and see how it transforms your team - and you. Remember, you have the power to inspire growth and transformation in your team by saying 'YES'more often.
Keep hustling, keep growing. You've got this.