Have you been enjoying say no after last Monday’s post ‘Say no: Let’s put the No into November‘?

Empowering isn’t it?

Another way we say no to ourselves, which can be very unhelpful and dis-empowering, is by saying the word ‘but’ in a sentence.

When we say the word ‘but’, we negate everything in the sentence before it. 

So, when talking to staff, customers or yourself, be aware of the but!

For example… You’ve made great progress but ….

Yes I understand your concerns but…

I’ve worked really hard on this project but ….

Staff can feel deflated and customers can feel they’re not important or not being heard.

If you’re using the word ‘but’, you may be devaluing yourself or your work.

Aaaah, stop!

So what’s best to say instead?