Forget the corporate buzzwords for a second and let’s talk about the one thing that’s actually killing your creativity: your own ego. We spend so much time trapped in our heads, terrified of looking stupid or making the “wrong” move, that we end up paralyzed. We stop making choices, and then, out of pure fear or frustration, we lash out with irrational decisions that alienate the people we care about most. It’s a cycle of weakness, and the only way out is to embrace the power of Yes, And.

The absolute master skill here isn’t being the loudest person in the room—it’s listening. And I don’t mean waiting for your turn to speak. I mean actually, deeply listening. Stop overthinking. Stop planning your next clever comeback. Just listen. You have to trust yourself enough to know that you are already smart enough, funny enough, and capable enough to handle whatever comes at you in real-time. If you make a move and it lands, great—do it again. If you fall short, who cares? Just course-correct and keep moving. If you realize you’re out of your depth, don’t fake it; just do the research and come back stronger.

We need to stop getting bogged down in the tiny, soul-sucking minutia that keeps us playing small. Start using top-down design. Keep it simple and make big, bold choices. When you make a massive choice, you give everyone around you a North Star to follow. When you play it safe, you just create confusion.

The beauty of staying in this “Yes, And” mentality is the lightness it brings to your life. When you aren’t carrying the heavy weight of your own ego or the constant itch of insecurity, you become incredibly agile. When the parameters of your project or your life change—and they always do—you don’t panic. You just pivot.

This mindset changes everything at work, at home, and in your community. It enhances focus and presence because you’re actually there, in the moment. It boosts communication and connection because you’re building something with people instead of at them. Most importantly, it fosters a lighthearted atmosphere where it’s finally safe to be brilliant. So, stop thinking, start listening, and just say “Yes.”

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Here is how you drop the ego and put YES, AND… into practice across the different parts of your life:

As a leader:

Stop trying to be the “source” of every good idea. Your job is to listen for the gold in your team’s suggestions and amplify it. When you make big, bold choices instead of micromanaging the minutia, you give your people a clear North Star to follow. If a strategy fails, don’t blame—just course-correct and pivot.

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As a teammate:

Trust that you are smart enough to contribute without over-rehearsing your “parts.” When a colleague throws out a wild idea, don’t shut it down with a “but.” Say “yes” to their reality and “and” it with your own expertise. This builds a connection that makes the work feel light instead of like a slog.

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As a teacher:

Get out of the “expert” trap. If a student asks a question you can’t answer, don’t fake it—do the research together. By staying focused and listening to where they are actually struggling, you can keep the atmosphere lighthearted and keep them from shutting down out of fear of being wrong.

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As a parent:

When your kid comes to you with an irrational or “silly” problem, don’t dismiss it from a place of adult ego. Meet them in their world. By “Yes, And-ing” their imagination or their concerns, you create a safe space where they feel heard, which stops those fear-based, alienated meltdowns before they start.

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As a student or child:

Stop worrying about being “right” and start being present. If you don’t understand something, don’t let insecurity keep you quiet. Trust yourself to ask the question. When you focus on listening instead of overthinking the grade, you’ll find you can pivot and learn much faster.

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