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?