Every child of the 80’s learned the importance of “Just Say No.”  Former First Lady Nancy Reagan’s campaign against drugs eventually earned pop culture status.  In today’s post, I want to discuss the power of yes.  No, I’m not advocating for illegal drug use!  I’m arguing against what I call the “default no.”

When approached with a question or idea, too many faculty and staff just say no.  This is a knee-jerk reflex.  No, we can’t do that.  No, that won’t work.  No, there is a policy against it.  No, that’s not how we do things.  This is the default no.  Before giving any consideration to what is being asked or proposed, the response is simply no.

This is an easy response.  It is low-risk and represents little threat.  It doesn’t cost any money or time.  At least in the short term.

Over the long-term, the default no can weaken our institutions and stifle creativity.  The default no also costs us the benefits of the power of yes. Specifically, the four powers that come from the power of yes.

1.  Power of Innovation.  Colleges and universities pride themselves on being innovative.  In today’s economy, we know innovation and knowledge creation are important.  The power of innovation is in encouraging experimentation and outside the box thinking.  When we cultivate an environment where people know they are going to have the power of yes, they make changes and innovate.  They come up with ideas that challenge the status quo.  Innovation grows in an environment that rewards risk and encourages failure.  The default no rewards no risk activities and small successes.

2.  Power of Creativity.  Related to the power of innovation, the power of creativity rests in the process of creation.  How can we create something new, exciting, different?  One of the great joys of education at any level is seeing a student create a new idea or concept.  From a wonderful new research approach to a new program that improves student engagement to my preschooler’s art projects, creativity is intoxicating.  If my son asks to color with the red crayon or the blue one, why wouldn’t I say yes?  “Sure, Daniel, use whatever color you want.”  As faculty and staff, why wouldn’t we take the same approach?  “You want to try to study this new research topic?  Sure, let’s go for it.  Let me help you craft it.”  “You want to try this new orientation process.  Sure, let’s go for it.  How can I help?”  Maybe the new ideas will work or maybe they won’t.  But I guarantee when you encourage people to be creative, you’ll win either way.

3.  Power of Morale.  Faculty and staff want encouragement.  In particular, your most innovative and creative people crave support.  This is the power of morale.  Nothing will take the wind out of the sails of an energetic faculty or staff member more than the default no.  Nothing will hurt their enthusiasm and spirit more.  By the same logic, think how much you will energize through the power of yes.  You’ll have people ready to run through walls to help your students, department, and university.  A strong and positive morale will encourage a focus on collective goals and moving the university forward.

4.  Power of Positive.  The past few years have been a challenging time for higher education.  Universities are under attack from all corners— student consumers, parents, legislators, and the public.  This can lead to defeatist attitudes and undercut many of the other initiatives we may want to undertake.  Yet, the power of positive (delivered through the power of yes) can fight this trend.  The power of positive isn’t pollyanna.  It also doesn’t ignore the challenges facing college and universities.  Instead, it encourages people through good thoughts, happiness, and success.  And perhaps the best part, it is contagious.  By saying yes and encouraging the other three powers, you can harness the power of positive to cultivate people and ideas.

None of this is to say that there aren’t good reason to say no.  For example, you should say no to distractions and things that take you away from your most important work.  However, what I want us to get away from is the default no.  The gut reaction that stifles innovation, creativity, morale, and positive thinking.  In fact, I’ll bet that many of us instinctively say no and then after thinking about it respond, “Actually, that isn’t such a bad idea.”

For the next week, try to play the improv game of saying yes.  When two actors are doing improv, one of the rules is that you have to say yes.  No matter how wacky or crazy, you have to say yes.  What often results can be amazing and really fun.  This is the power of yes.  So this week, when someone asks you a question or comes to you with a new idea, don’t listen to Nancy, “Just Say Yes!”