We've all been in this situation: Board meeting, Boss Meeting, group gathering...talking about what we should do next, how should we fix the situation, finding something that will make us feel fresh, new, and .... being as positive as the Carousel of Progress soundtrack of
"There's a great big beautiful tomorrow"!
But, alas, you remember that the last good idea that saw the light of day from this situation was perhaps the one that made you a part of the organization you're trying to fix.
The question to ask as an organizational manager, leader, or facilitator is:
Is this a place where good ideas go to die?
If you have to ask that question more than once, put up headstones for anything that sounds new or innovative... and wave goodbye to people who have those ideas.
How do you avoid becoming the graveyard for innovation.... Make sure that your organization is an environment that promotes discussion, difference, silliness, and the creative process itself. People should feel comfortable to try out ideas without the fear of public embarrassment, or just outright rejection.
But, you're thinking, there's that guy who comes up with these really crazy ideas and we have a tight agenda and we don't have time for this tonight! (I know that guy because much of the time ... it's me)
What you're really saying is, "I don't know how to manage the discussion, capture all the ideas, find a time to process them, and still get out in time to get home to see the beginning of "Lost".
The next time you're about to thank someone for their contribution and follow that by saying "but", stop right in your tracks and figure out how you could use that idea. Who could help make it happen; how can you connect this idea with other things you're trying to do; can you discuss the idea after the time allotted; can you create a time to fully develop this idea?
Think of yourself as trying to catch every idea as it leaps towards it's inevitable demise! If you can save it, you can move your organization ahead. You can also let other idea creators know that this is a place that is safe for them.
If you don't save save the ideas, you'll be just another place where good ideas go to die.
1 comment:
This is an extremely important concept. Even Barack Obama must think so, as he recently characterized Washington as the place where important ideas go to die. He must have read your comments.
Anyway, in my teaching and private sector experience, I have attended countless meetings where ideas are suggested, and then either immediately shot down, or worse, allowed to die a slow death.
I don't think the intent is always malicious, though I do think for many, new ideas are threatening for one reason or another. It takes some courage to agree to something new, and then even more courage to do something about the idea. It also takes energy and commitment, not common these days in many circles.
How can we find those few individuals willing to think, and act? More importantly, and this may actually be the crux of your comment. how can we cultivate that sensibility in others, and ourselves, including that invaluable quality of being present, really present at that meeting, or even that conversation between two people, including couples and other family members.
And if we don't, what else have we lost?
SKS
Post a Comment