The Phrases That Kill Creativity

imagePR and Advertising agencies are supposed to be creative greenhouses. Yet, the old "Internal editor" in all of us, raises it’s head so easy. The "internal editor" I believe is our internal voice , our conscience, our left brain that can sometimes stop us from progressing.

Years ago I worked with a consultant, a retired CEO who said the following : “ The danger with gut feel is that it SOMETIMES can cause indigestion”.

Evaluate the following statements and ask yourself : " How often you have used these statements?" Did they prove to be correct?

  • We tried that before
  • Where’d you dig that one up?
  • Our business is different
  • It costs too much
  • It’s never been tried before
  • That’s not my job
  • Let’s put that one on the back burner for now
  • Let’s form a committee
  • We don’t have the time
  • I don’t see the connection
  • It won’t work in our department or business
  • It’s too radical a change
  • The Board of Directors would never go for it
  • The staff will never buy it
  • It’s against company policy
  • It can’t be done
  • It’s impossible
  • Let’s get back to reality
  • That’s not our problem
  • We’ve always done it this way
  • I don’t like the idea
  • You’re right, but…
  • You’re two years ahead of your time
  • Don’t rock the boat
  • It isn’t in the budget
  • Has anyone else ever tried it?
  • Good thought, but impractical
  • Let’s give it more thought

If not, or if they did! What is the lesson for your consultancy or team? Please let me know!

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