Creating a culture where the best idea wins is essential in leadership. Innovation freely flows when good ideas enter the conversation and get listed in action plans. Progress is forged when the best idea is allowed to challenge the process. This is not new information. You already know that organizations, businesses, and churches thrive on a steady flow of really good ideas. So why is it that so many good ideas get snuffed out?
Prideful Leadership – We have all been in the meeting where the best idea was tossed out into the discussion only to be swatted down by a prideful leader. For this kind of leader, a good idea from another team member is an assault on his or her ability to look like the most capable person in the room. We could all benefit from this reminder: the best idea may not be our own.
Burned Out Creativity – When the same people look at the same problems in the same room each and every week, they become prone to burning out their creative ability. Each of us gets tunnel vision at one time or another that prevents us from being able to see a new solution. When we find ourselves in this situation it is time to get some new perspective. Invite new people into the conversation. You may be surprised how quickly they come up with a new and better idea.
Acceptance of the Mediocre – Often teams resign themselves to the mediocre. Cutting corners can become a way of organizational life. There no accountability to reach higher or go farther. In order for the best idea to rise to the surface, a challenge must be issued for excellence. When “the way it has always been done” is challenged, new and better ideas win.
You’ve got good ideas. So does your team. Start cultivating a culture where these ideas can get traction by avoiding these pitfalls.
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