How great ideas get shot down

You’ve had one. A great idea.

You’ve stewed on it. You’ve gotten excited about it. You’ve garnered up the will to pitch it to someone.

Immediately, it gets shot down. “That won’t work.” “We’ve tried it before.” “It’s too out there.” “[Insert name here] won’t approve.”

Of course, the opposite reaction is just as troubling. No one needs a yes man who nods in agreement at any idea.

But what if we sought a middle way?

When someone pitches as an idea (or when we pitch one ourselves) what if we instead gave/asked for:

1. Three reasons why the idea is dangerous

2. Three reasons why the idea is brilliant.

If the brilliant parts outweigh the dangerous ones, it’s an idea worth pursuing.

Hats of to Roy Williams for inspiring this post.