when someone suggests an idea, there are two quick probes that begin. is it new? is it yours? these are hardly the best questions to be asking. here are idea characteristics that are as pressing or more valuable — clarity, viability, adaptability, acceptance (ie. ease to market), depth, and presence (ie. hold on consumer). be on the lookout for defense mechanisms that are raised hastily. don’t allow the merit of your idea(s) to be written off or limited too quickly. be aware of the underlying impatience that many have with change — which is essentially being affronted by your idea(s). after all, folks don’t surrender their comfort zone(s) all that easily.
here is what you do. attempt to see eye-to-eye. demonstrate an ease with any objections being raised. soothe with simple reassurances. focus on the possibilities. connect. remember that no idea is crazy, and the evaluation process should be critical and complete. while you may have made a quick and clean case for consideration, make certain to ease into the decisioning phase. unfortunately, wearing the thinking cap isn’t the most comfortable exercise for some. divide the brain activity into breezy bursts. in sales, this is called opening and closing doors. this is what lays the groundwork for progress and the eventual decision.
the bottom line? the best ideas are catalysts for advancement. they should be greeted with interest — not resistance. hopefully, you won’t have to kick down the door for them to be heard. if you are left with no other option than to unleash the full force of your creative will, then godspeed. do not hesitate. nothing is sadder (and dare i say less american?) than suppressing the prospects for ingenuity, accepting second best and leaving potential unrealized.
