Idea Management

A foundational truth about dealing with the ‘devil’s advocate’

Typically, an immediate reaction to any idea is to find all the reasons why it won’t work. This is such a natural response in so many of us. I’m not sure of all the reasons behind it: maybe its ego; maybe it’s insecurity (and I have this nagging suspicion that ego and insecurity and inevitably linked); maybe it’s just habit. But keeping a great idea alive is not up to the naysayers. It’s the responsibility of thsoe that ‘get it’. And that is where a great idea manager can come in.

And even the naysayers can ‘convert’. What I try to express to anyone that starts taking about an idea right away is to relish in the beauty of the idea. Take it in. Breathe it. Savor it. Try and understand where it came from. The person that introduced it, why did he see such value in it? What makes it lovely? You may really have legitimate reasons for why it won’t work, but first, recognize what elements of the idea make it so beautiful.

Once you’ve had some time to soak it in, then start listing where the problems lie - not with the intent of blowing it out of the water, but with the intent on making it stronger.

But this advice is not so much for the ‘devil’s advocates’ out there. They will always exist. It is intended for the ones that either created the idea or the ones that want to evolve it - the ones that saw something beautiful but can’t completely explain what or why it was so appealing. Take advantage of the naysayers out there. They are out there and they serve a purpose. Use their criticism and skepticism as a way to grow the idea. And the only way you’ll truly be able to do that consistently is to learn how to relish in the beauty of ideas and to encourage & teach those around you to do the same.