Getting to the Good Ideas

When it comes to new ideas, few ideas changed the world like the lightbulb. … And Tomas Edison captured it best. To bring something great into the world... It is not about finding what works… 

… it is about finding the 10,000 ways that don’t work.

So, here is a quick meeting tip A tip for the next time you take on a new opportunity or challenge. A tip to get the bad ideas out first.

Because to get to the good ideas, you have to go through a lot of bad ones. And if you want to create something great, like Edison, this requires starting with a huge amount of bad ideas.

Getting all the bad ideas on the table first is a lot like gambling. Don't limit yourself to one roll of the dice. Start by spreading your bets. Then look for the win.

Here is a tool. A tool to help engrain this lesson. A lesson for you and a lesson for your team.

The tool is called 9 in 90.

Hand your team a sheet of paper with 9 circles on it. Ask them to complete the circles in 90 seconds. The trick is to draw recognizable objects (smiley faces, baseballs, maybe even a chicken). After 90 seconds ask everyone to share what they created. Do not give them too many examples.

Because when it comes to ideas, if everyone on your team is drawing faces. You only have one idea. If everyone on your team is staying within the lines. No one is thinking outside the box.

That’s the tip. Do not trust one roll of the dice. Spread your bets. Get your creativity flowing. Start with a lot of different ideas.

And if you want to accelerate the learning, try 30 circles in 3 minutes.

This gets even more ideas on the table, because even those who like drawing faces and staying within the lines, might try something new. Something they are uncomfortable with.

And this is where greatness often lies.