If someone tells you your idea is terrible in a meeting, you know they’re not a successful entrepreneur. If someone says “that’s impossible”, you know they’re not cut out for the entrepreneurial world.
That’s Business 101.
But let’s dive deeper. There are certain phrases you’ll never catch a successful entrepreneur saying in a meeting. Why? Because these phrases can be detrimental to progress, innovation, and team morale.
I’ve distilled it down to eight things they never say (so you shouldn’t either). Let’s get started.
1) “That’s impossible”
Let’s face it, the world of entrepreneurship is tough. It’s filled with roadblocks, challenges, and sometimes, seemingly insurmountable obstacles.
However, you’ll never catch a successful entrepreneur saying “That’s impossible” in a meeting. And there’s a good reason for that.
When we label something as impossible, we immediately close the door on any potential solutions or alternative routes. We stifle creativity and innovation, two vital elements in any successful business venture.
Instead, successful entrepreneurs adopt a problem-solving mindset. They see obstacles as opportunities to innovate and grow. They might acknowledge the difficulty of the task at hand, but they never dismiss it as impossible.
So, the next time you’re faced with a challenging situation, don’t declare it impossible. Instead, ask yourself and your team: “How can we make this possible?”
2) “It’s not my fault”
I remember a meeting I had early in my entrepreneurial journey. We were running behind schedule on an important project and tensions were high. In the heat of the moment, I found myself saying, “It’s not my fault, the supplier messed up.”
That was a mistake.
Successful entrepreneurs never shift the blame in a meeting, even if it’s tempting. They take responsibility for their actions and the actions of their team. Because at the end of the day, everything that happens in your company falls under your leadership.
I learned that day that true leadership means owning up to challenges, not passing them off. It means taking responsibility when things go wrong and working towards a solution rather than pointing fingers.
So remember, instead of saying “It’s not my fault,” try saying “Let’s figure out how we can prevent this from happening again.” This simple shift in language promotes a culture of accountability and problem-solving within your team.
3) “We’ve always done it this way”
In a 2017 report by McKinsey, it was revealed that 80% of executives think their business model is at risk to some extent. The biggest risk? Sticking to the status quo.
Successful entrepreneurs never utter the phrase “We’ve always done it this way” in a meeting. They understand that in the ever-evolving world of business, adaptability and innovation are key.
Sticking to old ways because they’re comfortable could mean missing out on new opportunities or failing to address emerging threats. It’s important to constantly reassess and reevaluate your strategies, methods, and processes.
So next time you’re tempted to stick with the tried-and-true, remember: innovation doesn’t come from doing things the same way—they come from challenging norms and trying something new.
4) “I don’t need your input”
Feedback is the lifeblood of any thriving business. It’s how we learn, grow, and improve. Without it, we’re simply moving forward blindly, oblivious to potential blind spots or weaknesses.
In any meeting, you’ll never hear a successful entrepreneur say “I don’t need your input.” They understand the value that each team member brings to the table and the importance of diverse perspectives in decision-making.
By shutting down input, you not only miss out on potentially valuable insights but also risk creating a culture where people feel unheard and unappreciated.
So instead of dismissing feedback, welcome it. Encourage your team members to speak up and share their thoughts. You never know where your next great idea will come from.
5) “I already know that”
A few years into my entrepreneurial journey, I found myself in a situation where a team member was explaining a concept that I was already familiar with.
My immediate reaction was to cut him off and say, “I already know that.” But I caught myself just in time.
Successful entrepreneurs understand that there’s always something new to learn. Saying “I already know that” not only shuts down potential learning opportunities but can also come across as arrogant.
It can make team members hesitant to share their ideas or insights, which could be detrimental to innovation within your business.
Instead, I’ve learned to say, “I’m familiar with that, but I’d love to hear your perspective.” This not only promotes a culture of continuous learning but also shows your team members that you value their input.
After all, every person brings their unique experiences and insights to the table, and you never know what fresh perspective they might offer.
6) “Failure is not an option”
It may seem like a rallying cry, a call to arms to inspire your team towards success. But in truth, you won’t catch successful entrepreneurs saying “Failure is not an option” in a meeting.
Why not? Because they understand that failure is often a stepping stone to success. It’s through our missteps and mistakes that we learn and grow the most. By labeling failure as ‘not an option’, we create a culture of fear where mistakes are seen as catastrophes rather than learning opportunities.
So, instead of discouraging failure, encourage calculated risks. Celebrate the lessons learned from failures just as much as you celebrate successes. This fosters a culture of innovation, resilience, and continuous growth.
7) “It’s not in the budget”
Money matters in business, there’s no doubt about it. But you’ll rarely hear a successful entrepreneur say “It’s not in the budget” during a meeting.
This phrase often serves as a quick way to shut down ideas or suggestions without giving them proper consideration. Entrepreneurs understand that sometimes, it’s necessary to make investments for long-term gains.
Instead of dismissing an idea outright due to budget constraints, successful entrepreneurs tend to explore all possibilities. They ask questions like, “How can we make this work financially?” or “Is there a way we can adjust our budget to accommodate this?”
Remember, innovation often requires investment. Don’t let the fear of short-term costs prevent your business from reaping long-term benefits.
8) “I don’t have time”
In the frenetic world of business, time is always at a premium. But successful entrepreneurs never say “I don’t have time” in a meeting. They understand that this phrase often translates to “It’s not a priority.”
Time management is all about priorities. If something is important for the growth and success of your business, you make time for it.
Saying you don’t have time can demotivate your team and give the impression that their ideas or concerns are not valued.
Always remember, it’s not about having time, it’s about making time. If something matters, you’ll find a way. If not, you’ll find an excuse.
Entrepreneurial wisdom
As we draw to a close, it’s important to remember that successful entrepreneurs aren’t just born, they are made. They are the ones who understand the power of language and how it can shape the course of a business.
They know that what they say in a meeting can either inspire innovation or stifle creativity. It can either instill confidence in their team or erode morale. They understand that every word carries weight.
In the grand scheme of things, these eight phrases may seem small, but their impact can be monumental. By avoiding these phrases, you’re not just reframing your language; you’re reframing your mindset.
So, take a moment to reflect on your own language during meetings. Are there phrases you need to let go of? Are there new perspectives to adopt? Remember, the journey of entrepreneurship is one of constant learning and growth. And sometimes, it all starts with the words we choose to say—or not to say.
Your words have power. Use them wisely.
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