But vs. And

Flow

Round 1:

• Ask for 3-5 volunteers or divide the room into groups of 3-5 (if it's an in-person group) [or split webinar into breakout rooms of 3-5 after giving them instructions]
  
• Tell the group that they are in charge of planning the company holiday party.
  
• Each person must contribute an idea. There is no specific order, but no one may contribute more than one idea in a row.
  
• Anyone may start, and each successive idea must begin with the words, "Yes, but..."
  
• Allow the exercise to continue for 2-3 minutes, or until it degenerates beyond repair.
  

Round 2:

• Ask for 3-5 new volunteers or divide the room into groups of 3-5 (if it's an in-person group) [or split webinar into breakout rooms of 3-5 after giving them instructions]
  
• Set up the same activity with the following adjustment: This time each new sentence must start with the words, "Yes, and..."
  
• Allow the activity to continue for 2-3 minutes, or until the group seems satisfied and delighted. 
  

Debrief

• What happened?
  
• How does it feel to have your ideas rejected? Accepted?
  
• How did this experience compare to real life?
  
• Why do we block other people's ideas?
  
• How can we increase our willingness and ability to accept ideas?