Nevey Shalom, Bowie, MD: Can Do List

Can Do List

The statements in the first column reflect common thinking that results in nothing getting accomplished in an organization. Recognize them? Well, there are other ways of looking at solving problems. Those are reflected in the statements in the second column. Read on.

CAN'T	CAN
We've never done it before.	We have the opportunity to be the first.
It's too complicated.	Let's look at it from a different angle.
We don't have the resources.	Necessity is the mother of invention.
It will never work.	We'll give it a try.
There's not enough time.	We'll re-evaluate some priorities.
We already tried it.	We learned from the experience.
There's no way it will work.	We can make it work.
It's a waste of time.	Think of the possibilities.
It's a waste of money.	The investment will be worth it.
We don't have the expertise.	Let's network with those who do.
Our women won't go for it.	Let's show them the opportunities.
It's good enough.	There is always room for improvement.
We don't have enough money.	Maybe there's something we can cut.
We don't have enough volunteers.	We're a lean, clean, machine!
We don't have enough room.	Another location can be found.
It will never fly.	We'll never know until we try.
We don't have the equipment.	Maybe we can borrow it.
It's not going to be any better.	Let's try it one more time.
It can't be done.	It will be a challenge.
Let someone else deal with it.	I'm ready to learn something new.
We're always changing direction.	We're in touch with our women.
It's too radical a change.	Let's take a chance.
Our women won't buy it.	We'll do better at educating them.
We're too small for that.	We're perfect for this project.
It's contrary to policy.	Anything's possible.
It's not my job.	I'll be glad to take the responsibility.
I can't.	I CAN!

Source: Women's League for Conservative Judaism, Seaboard Branch, Spring Conference, 1995