It’s not in the budget.

It’s not on the schedule.

It’s not on the agenda.

It’s not in the meeting minutes.

It’s not in the strategic plan.

It’s not an option we’re considering.

If I took no for an answer, then I would have quit long ago. But I didn’t, because that wasn’t the answer I was looking for. Instead of saying “no” to an idea that’s presented to you, consider saying, “how can we make that happen?”

Asking this question will help you generate new ideas and solutions that are more likely to be accepted by others. When you say “no” to an idea, it stifles creativity, innovation, and opportunity. As a leader at least allow for the exploration of an idea to see what turns up. You never know what you will find.