The Right People Formula
If you are going to commit to being a great problem-solver you need to make sure you surround yourself with the right people. Those you surround yourself with can make or break your future.
Having the wrong people in a brainstorming session can kill the potential before there is even a possibility of greatness. If ideas get around what I call “Innovation Assassins” potential ceases to exist. We have all been targeted by “Innovation Assassins” who shoot down every good idea there is.
This is why we need to share our ideas (at first) only with those who have the ability to foster them and not squelch them. You have to have the right people working on the right problems or you’ll get the wrong solutions. David Strauss said, “If you can’t agree on the problem, you won’t agree on the solution.”
Let me share this formula when it comes to brainstorming with the right people…
Wrong Idea + Wrong Person = Disaster
If you have a wrong idea that is no good and you share it with the wrong person it may actually end up happening. And the result is an unsuccessful endeavor that was a waste of time. Make sure you share brainstorming time with the right kind of people who are the right fit for the solution. Seeking counsel from the wrong people gives you the wrong ideas. If the person is unqualified or uninterested in the process don’t allow them to speak into the solution. Not everyone should be asked their opinion about specific matters.
Right Idea + Wrong Person = Death
Having a great idea that is shared with the wrong person can knock the wind out of your sails. Skeptical, non-dreaming, realist, unmotivated, no life, fearful, problem finding, negative, purposeless people will bring death to great ideas. These people fight against every idea always picking out the bad. They kill ideas before they even have a chance to live. There the kind of people who have a problem for every solution. Stay clear of people who habitually kill ideas with always pointing out the problems.
Wrong Idea + Right Person = Practicality
Sharing a wrong idea with the right person is wonderful. They are able to speak truth and practicality into the situation. You may have ideas that are just not very good. Having the right person who can help decipher the quality of an idea is a great thing that will enable progress. They will entertain the idea, but also help you work through better ideas. They will seek to build on your ideas not just tear them down. They tend to help you think through your wrong idea by asking great questions that get you to the right idea.
Right Idea + Right Person = Possibilities
This is where the magic happens…when you have the right idea with the right person. This is where synergy and collaboration collide. This is where dreams are nurtured and built upon. Success lives in this equation. Always seek the right people with a track record of the right ideas in order to move quickly. Chemistry is necessary for collaboration. Seek out those who you can work together with and spend time with them. Be proactive about meeting consitently with the right person so you can come up with the right ideas together.
