The 3 Most Dangerous Words

We remember from childhood the rhyme, "sticks and stones will break my bones, but names will never hurt me."  Truth was those names we were called did hurt.  As adults we've surely experienced someone's hurtful barbs.  Hurtful, but not dangerous.

So what could be so dangerous about words?  We all have those little catch phrases we use over and over again.  We use them so much we don't even realize we're saying them.  I attended a workshop in Dallas a number of years ago where the speaker had a habit of saying "So, here's the deal" as a seque-way to the next section.  Once he became aware of saying it, he began to catch himself and made a joke of it as he realized how often it came up.
 
But, no, those aren't the 3 most dangerous words.  The 3 Most Dangerous Words are "I know that."  Yes, "I know that!"
 
Do you know someone who uses those 3 words when you try to share something with them?  Do you know someone who uses that phrase without consciously thinking about it?  We've all likely uttered those words at least once. 
 
We've been taught when reading body language, the crossed arms indicates the person's mind is closed to the idea.  Speaking for many a woman at a typical luncheon meeting, the crossed arms is more likely a signal that the air conditioning has been cranked to such a level that we're just trying to conserve body heat!
 
Those three words "I know that" are the verbal equivalent to a closed mind, often uttered by the offender so quickly that we don't even have a chance to get the whole sentence out.  Talk about slamming the door shut.
 
So, why are they so dangerous?  Saying those words, ends the conversation -- the current conversation and future conversations.  It cuts you off from outside observations that could help your business.  It cuts you off from feedback from employees who just might have some great ideas on streamlining the process.  You never know where that next brilliant idea may come from.  I, for one, don't want to rely on myself for all the innovations I need to make.  It's your job as the business owner to take these little nuggets and turn them into something great.
 
William Plomer said, "Creativity is the power to connect the seemingly unconnected."  To say "I know that" is to cut off your supply of raw materials (ideas) that you can creatively connect to improve your business.
 
The next time you think about saying "I know that" stop yourself.  Think instead - what's the nugget here - how can I use this raw material?