Before her death in 1997, Jeanne Calment was the oldest living human whose age could be verified by official documentation. This remarkable French lady claimed she owed her longevity to chocolate, olive oil, and port wine. On her one hundred and twentieth birthday celebration, someone asked Ms. Calment, "What is your vision of the future?"

With a twinkle in her eye, Ms. Calment replied, "Very brief." (1)

Let's talk about vision. Someone has compiled a list of forty "Killer Phrases," the things that people say to squelch new or innovative ideas. Killer Phrases are poison darts that kill off a vision before it can be put into action. Here are ten of the top Killer Phrases:

1. "Yes, but . . ."

2. "We've tried that before."

3. "We haven't got the manpower."

4. "Don't rock the boat!"

5. …