CHARLIE HAWKINS
Article:
Idea-Busters vs. Idea-Builders
| Here are some constructive ways to respond to ideas. It's all in the way you say it! | ||||
| Idea-Busters | vs. | Idea-Builders | ||
| Instead of busting an idea by saying… | • | Build it with language, such as… | ||
| 1. | It just doesn't grab me | • | Tell me more | |
| 2. | We tried that before and it didn't work | • | What's different now that might make it work | |
| 3. | Who's going to do it | • | Here's a way to do it | |
| 4. | It's been done to death | • | Let's do it better (or differently) | |
| 5. | We can't afford that | • | Let's figure out a way to pay for it | |
| 6. | Don't fight the system | • | Let's change the system | |
| 7. | We've never done anything like that | • | …until now | |
| 8. | Yes…but | • | Yes…and | |
| 9. | The partners (board) will never buy it | • | How can we sell it to the partners (board) | |
| 10. | That's really off the wall | • | That's really on the ball | |
| 11. | Oh?? | • | Yes! Let's try it. | |
| 12. | I like my idea better | • | Let's combine ideas and see how that works | |
| 13. | That won't work | • | How can we make it work | |
| 14. | The timing isn't right | • | Let's work out the best timing | |
| 15. | That only solves half the problem | • | Let's isolate what works & look at concerns | |
| 16. | Good in theory, but let's be practical | • | Great! Let's figure out how to make it work | |
| 17. | Great idea, but not for us | • | Great idea--how can we make it work for us | |
| 18. | Where'd you get that idea? | • | Bravo! | |
| 19. | It'll never work (fly, sell) | • | How can we make it work (fly) | |
| 20. | What will the board (committee) say | • | Let's make sure we address the board's (committee's) concerns | |
| 21. | I don't agree | • | I agree with (x and y) and need help in understanding (z) | |
| 22. | I have a better idea… | • | Building on your idea… | |
| 23. | It doesn't solve the problem | • | Let's connect this back to the problem | |
| 24. | (Any expression, body language or words that judge or negate an idea initially) | • | (Be silent…let the idea or thought sink in…look for the "good," then respond) | |
Remember… |
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| • | Few ideas are perfect at first …give yourself and others permission to be approximately right. | |||
| • | Build ideas…and watch them grow into solutions. Credit others where it is due. | |||
About the Author
Charlie Hawkins has over 40 years’ experience as a product marketer, entrepreneur, meeting facilitator, business coach and human behavior specialist, and is the author of Make Meetings Matter,
a complete guide for planning and running effective meetings.
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