The Secret to Generating Remarkable Ideas You Can Actually Use

Getting lots of ideas is a sign of doing things right.

When it comes to innovation, getting lots of ideas is a good sign. It means that you are making it safe for people to share their thoughts and perspectives, and that you are actively listening to what they have to say. However, if you are getting a lot of Half Baked or dingling ideas, there may be room for improvement.

Eliminate toxic courage pressures to foster idea-sharing.

One of the biggest barriers to idea generation is fear of judgment or ridicule. If people feel like they will be punished or shamed for sharing their ideas, they are less likely to do so. Create a culture of respect and encouragement, where people feel comfortable taking risks and sharing their thoughts without fear of reprisal.

Proactively ask people for ideas to encourage participation.

Don't wait for people to come to you with ideas. Go out and ask them directly. This shows that you value their input and that you are interested in hearing what they have to say. You can ask for ideas in one-on-one meetings, team meetings, or even through online surveys.

Make it safe for people to share their ideas, even if they seem unconventional.

Not all ideas are going to be good ones. In fact, some of them may seem downright crazy. However, it is important to remember that even the most unconventional ideas can lead to breakthroughs. If you want to encourage people to share their most creative and innovative ideas, you need to make it safe for them to do so.

Fifty percent of people don't share ideas due to lack of perceived impact.

According to research, 50% of people do not share their ideas because they believe nothing will happen as a result. This highlights the importance of creating a culture where ideas are valued and implemented. When people see that their ideas are taken seriously and acted upon, they are more likely to share them in the future.

Establish strategic clarity by defining what success looks like.

One of the best ways to generate remarkable ideas is to have a clear understanding of what success looks like. This means defining the desired outcomes and goals for the idea-generation process. Once you know what you are trying to achieve, you can start to brainstorm ideas that will help you get there.

Psychological safety and clarity are positively correlated with idea generation.

Research has shown that there is a positive correlation between psychological safety and idea generation. This means that when people feel safe and supported, they are more likely to share their ideas and take risks. Additionally, when people have clarity about the desired outcomes, they are more likely to generate ideas that are relevant and impactful.

High psychological safety and low clarity lead to invisible ideas.

When psychological safety is high but clarity is low, people may be hesitant to share their ideas because they are unsure of what is expected. This can lead to a lack of visible ideas, even though there may be many good ideas floating around.

High clarity and low psychological safety result in unmanageable ideas.

When clarity is high but psychological safety is low, people may be more likely to share their ideas, but they may not be willing to take risks or think outside the box. This can lead to a lot of unmanageable ideas that are not practical or feasible.

High psychological safety and high clarity promote remarkable ideas.

When both psychological safety and clarity are high, people are more likely to share their ideas and take risks. This creates a fertile environment for idea generation, and it is more likely to lead to remarkable ideas that can make a real difference.

Use clear and specific questions to elicit usable ideas.

When asking for ideas, be as clear and specific as possible. This will help people to understand what you are looking for and to generate ideas that are relevant and usable. For example, instead of asking "What are your ideas for improving our marketing strategy?", you could ask "What is one idea you have for increasing our website traffic by 10%?".

A laboratory implemented a remarkable idea by building a facility near an airport hub to expedite COVID-19 testing.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, a laboratory implemented a remarkable idea to address the high demand for testing. They built a laboratory right next to the airport hub, which significantly shortened the time between when tests were collected and when they were processed. This allowed for faster diagnosis and treatment, and it helped to reduce the spread of the virus.

Communicate strategic clarity to encourage idea generation and implementation.

Communicating strategic clarity is essential for encouraging idea generation and implementation. When people understand the desired outcomes and goals, they are more likely to generate ideas that are aligned with the organization's objectives. Additionally, clear communication helps to ensure that ideas are implemented effectively and efficiently.

Focus on the big picture and avoid getting caught up in details.

It is important to focus on the big picture when generating ideas. Don't get bogged down in the details or get sidetracked by irrelevant information. Keep your focus on the desired outcomes and goals, and let your creativity flow.

Combine psychological safety and strategic clarity for exceptional idea generation.

By combining psychological safety with strategic clarity, you can create an environment that is conducive to exceptional idea generation. When people feel safe and supported, and when they have a clear understanding of what is expected, they are more likely to share their most creative and innovative ideas.