Statements that kill innovation

• No way.
• Yes, but…
• That’s irrelevant.
• It is not in the budget.
• We tried that before.
• Don’t rock the boat!
• We haven’t got the manpower.
• The boss will eat you alive.
• It will be more trouble than it’s worth.
• Obviously, you misread my request.
• That’s not in your job description!
• You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.
• Great idea, but not for us.
• Get a committee to look in to that.
• If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.
• You have got to be kidding!
• It isn’t your responsibility.
• We’ve always done it this way…
• Put it in writing.
• Don’t waste time thinking.
• What will people say?
• It will never fly.
• Don’t be ridiculous.
• People don’t want change.
• Let’s stick with what works.
• We’ve done alright so far.
• The boss will never go for it.
• It’s too far ahead of the times.
• Do you realise the paper work it’ll create?
• I’m the only one who gets paid to think.
• It’s ok in theory … but …
• Be practical!
• Don’t fight city hall!
• Because I said so.
• I’ll get back to you.
• That will never work!

Obviously you don’t want such negativity in your organisation, so why not preempt it by pinning this list somewhere highly visible?