In the book, Breakthrough thinking: Brainstorming for inspiration and ideas, Nick Souter suggests that “ideas are very fragile” and advises that great ideas “should only be exposed in an environment where they will be nurtured, developed, and made to happen.”

I understand. You probably understand, too.

Who has not experienced the thrill of thinking a great “Think” – as Dr. Seuss might say it. It bubbles up inside of you, explodes right in the middle of a team meeting, and then… What happens next is completely out of your control. Your great idea is waiting… for consideration, acceptance, judgement.

Will your idea find a nurturing home in which to grow?

Will it come face to face with a combat unit of sniper pilots on a mission to save the company from the time waster of yet another absurd idea?

Will it receive what I call the “South Park Blink of Avoidance.” You know the blink… one of the South Park characters says something – usually creative - the whole town blinks in silence and waits for someone else to say something different to take the conversation down another path, saving them from having to acknowledge a new and perhaps uncomfortable idea.

Souter’s book is a refreshing combination of insightful information about how we, as a culture, do NOT handle new ideas well, and practical tools to help us break out of the negative patterns of discouragement that we often share too freely with those people in our work and home environments.

Questions:

• Have you read the book, Breakthrough thinking: brainstorming for inspiration and ideas by Nick Souter (2007)?
• Do you feel that your team encourages/supports new ideas?
• Will you share a story from your experience that illustrates how an idea was supported or sabotaged?
• What strategies have worked for you when introducing new ideas?
• What are some of the funniest excuses you’ve heard to discount a new idea?
• Do you feel safe to share your ideas at work?
• What suggestions do you have for managers who are trying to create a culture of innovation?