The Role of Killer Phrases

The most dramatic way I know to show how most conferences are negative and firmly opposed to new ideas is to have each member of the group write on three-by-five cards three killer phrases, such as:

= "It's against policy,"
= "It won't work,"
= "We've never done it before,"
= "The boss's wife likes blue."

Then I have the cards shuffled and passed around in the group. They are read aloud by panel members.

Then I stick the knife in. Simply tell 'em to debunk the statement. Tear it to shreds. Make a mockery of it. Show just how dumb it is.

In no time flat, there's a free-for-all ... and what do you know ... pretty soon, the "fact" that the boss's wife likes blue is either irrelevant, the basis of a new product, process or approach, the foundation of a strategic change of direction, or ...

Not only useful, but fun!