I have worked with clients representing over 40 industries including corporate giants and numerous non-profits. While all of these organizations benefit from clarity, strategic and operational, many of the people I work with also suffer one or more of three bad habits that prevent them from maximizing their effectiveness and that of their employees.

1. “Yes, but …” is an idea killer. It stops suggestions in their tracks. Worse, the minute you say “yes, but …,” you are no longer listening or learning. Instead, you are drumming up reasons why the idea or suggestion will not work.

For better results, replace that habit with a new one. When someone offers an idea or advice, say, “Thank you. Tell me more.” or “Thank you. I need to think about that.” And then think about it before you dismiss it!

2. “________ is the problem.” Fill in the blank with anything outside your own skin. The economy, vendor, customer, that employee, my mother – take your pick. As soon as you blame someone else for a problem, you subscribe to victimhood. You are helpless. You will never seize the bull by the horns, take responsibility, and make things happen.

For better results, replace the blame with problem-solving. “What do we need to do about this and what are our options?” You always have options.

3. “It’s not possible” or “That can’t be done” or “I could never do that” are all examples of self-limiting beliefs. We all have them and they hold us back.

For better results, listen for these self-limiting beliefs and smash them. Instead, flip these around with variations such as, “What, specifically, is impossible?” and “What can I do? What are our options?”