Sometimes, I try to kill my own ideas.
Especially with an idea that has major consequences for change and potential.
I brought it to the table.
I believe in it.
I want it to happen.
I got people excited about it.
I energized the team.
Now I’m attempting to kill it.
I’m trying to find holes in the idea.
I am questioning the validity of the idea.
I’m even causing some to ask if I still support the idea.
My idea.
What’s my point?
Am I that difficult as a leader?
Well, that may be a matter of opinion, but I have a good reason.
I want the idea to stand the test of time and scrutiny.
If it survives, it has a better chance of succeeding.
If it doesn’t, well, let’s move on to a new idea.
As a leader, I’ve learned I can often get excited about my own ideas. I can get other people excited about my ideas…I can pitch an impressive vision…I can motivate people to say yes to my suggestions.
Whether because of position or power of persuasion, I have the ability to excite people around a cause. I can even find ways to justify my idea, even, if necessary, make it appear it was a “God-given” idea.
The bottom line is I’m capable of being wrong. I’m capable of some really bad ideas. I’m even capable of justifying my personal idea as a “God-idea.” Just being honest.
When an idea hasn’t been tested thoroughly before it meets the vote of the public and it fails, it puts a strain against my credibility as a leader. If it has been tested, questioned, and kicked around thoroughly, especially among the team I lead, it has the full support of everyone from the beginning, actually starts to feel like their idea, and has a better chance of succeeding.
Have a great idea?
Be the first to try to kill it and see if it’s worth pushing forward.
If it passes the test, you’ve got the potential of a great idea.
Have you ever tried to kill one of your own ideas?
