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Yes, and

 The compliment to "No" is "Yes, and..." Notice I said compliment, not opposite. If we are clear on our core values, our purpose, and our priorities, then every action we take should be aligned with these. If they are not, then the answer is "No." Or, if it just isn't the right time for you, that is when the gentle "no" comes in with alternative time or people suggestions.

But, when ideas are aligned the best way to keep a conversation going is through the first Rule of Improv, "Yes, and..." For a great quick dive into this, listen to The 1 Thing podcast episode 402 - for a quick demonstration of this within the podcast jump to minute 32. The guest Erin Diehl takes the host Chris Dixon through an exercise on using "Yes, and..." in a planning meeting. Then she starts throwing him curveballs by saying "Yes, but..." and then "No" to some of his answers. The conversation is flowing to begin with, ideas being generated and then it begins to slog and then fall apart when Erin starts changing from "and" to "but" to "no."

We don't want to shut down ideas that our stakeholders have, unless of course they are immoral or illegal. If someone is passionate about a concept, we want to support that concept whether it is a student, teacher, or community member. But we need to support it in a way that aligns with our purpose and priorities. "Yes, and..." is a great way to let the person know you hear them, are actively involved in the conversation, and can help generate new ideas and steer the conversation how you want it to go.

It's also a great way as a teacher in the classroom to generate more student engagement and involvement. Taking student answers, and responding with a "Yes, and..." will get more kids answering and deeper conversations happening in small groups of students, or in whole group settings with your classes.

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