No such thing as a bad idea

Have you ever joined a “brainstorming session” and heard the facilitator say, “Come on, guys, there is no such thing as a bad idea?”

This has long been hailed as a guiding principle. However, let’s face it – bad ideas do exist. They come in various forms: terrible, destructive and often irresponsible. We’ve all had our fair share of them, although we may not always admit it. It can feel disingenuous when someone brushes off a bad idea with this cliché in a meeting. We all know when an idea just doesn’t cut it.

Just look at the behavior of people in the room. When a not-so-good idea is presented (especially by the boss or a relative of the owner), all eyes in the room simultaneously look downward, study their hands or the table and look away.

Yet, amidst the sea of bad ideas, there lies a hidden truth. These seemingly ‘bad’ ideas, often dismissed, can hold fragments of value. They can act as precursors to better ideas waiting to emerge. The key is distinguishing between truly irrelevant ideas that waste time and those that don’t fully solve the problem. These partial solutions can serve as building blocks for refining and reshaping ideas into something more impactful, sparking hope and optimism in the idea generation process.

Challenging the conventional approach to idea generation, it’s time to reconsider the effectiveness of traditional corporate brainstorming sessions.

Picture the stereotypical scene: a group gathered in a room, attempting to conjure groundbreaking ideas within a limited timeframe. These sessions often end with a rushed decision on an idea that lacks widespread enthusiasm and foresight. To break away from this cycle, a more deliberate and inclusive approach is required – one that values individual creativity and collective input.

By assigning pre-meeting ‘homework,’ team members can delve into the problem independently. This encourages diverse perspectives and allows introverts the space to articulate their ideas without the pressures of real-time group dynamics, making each team member feel valued and integral to the idea-generation process.

Upon reconvening, each meeting should start with a clear restatement of the problem and objectives. Setting a defined time frame emphasizes the importance of focused attention and active participation. Encouraging each member to share their idea fosters a collaborative environment where every voice is heard. By promoting multiple rounds of sharing and discussion, the group can unearth hidden patterns and connections that might have otherwise gone unnoticed.

Amid idea exchange, it is crucial to avoid letting dominant voices overshadow quieter but equally valuable contributions. Recognizing the diverse thinking styles within a team can lead to richer insights and novel solutions. By acknowledging and leveraging both the ‘fast twitch’ idea generators and the ‘slow twitch’ contemplators, teams can harness the collective genius at their disposal, making each team member feel respected and understood.

As the meeting draws to a close, a clear action plan must emerge. Designating accountability for idea development and outlining the next steps ensures that the creative momentum is sustained beyond the session. Ultimately, the goal is to empower every team member to contribute in a way that aligns with their strengths and working styles.

While these principles may seem straightforward, their consistent application is often overlooked in the fast-paced world of ideation. By embracing a more thoughtful and inclusive approach to idea generation, teams can unleash their full creative potential and drive innovative solutions forward. Through careful structuring, encouragement of diverse thinking styles and proactive support, leaders can cultivate a culture where every idea – even the seemingly bad ones – has the chance to flourish.

Remember that a bad idea is better than not having any idea at all. A hidden gem of a brilliant idea may emerge through the bad.

 

 

(Francis Kong’s latest book, “Leadership Excellence” – on passion, purpose, productivity and perspective – is now available at leading bookstores nationwide.)