We all know this classic story. You’re in a meeting, pitching your innovative ideas to the manager. Surprise! The boss turns to the audience and asks someone from the crowd for feedback. You tense up, preparing to defend your “brilliant” concepts.
I’ve been in this position too often to not write about it. There was a time when I stood as the protective idea generator. Convinced of my own infallibility due to my extensive and rich experience. But in hindsight, I was wrong—and, I must admit—I was an asshole.
It took me a while, but with time I realized that great ideas can come from anywhere and anyone. Not only from those with a senior title or specialized expertise. This realization was humbling and transformative. It opened my eyes to the value of universal feedback that enrich the creative process.
The Power of Diverse Perspectives
Feedback from diverse sources refines and improves your ideas. This doesn’t mean every piece of feedback will be golden. But each piece is a potential key to unlocking new ideas.
Why Everyone’s Input Matters
- Fresh Perspectives: People who aren’t experts in your field might bring unexpected insights.
- Delivery Check: Hearing different opinions helps you understand if your pitch is clear.
- Increase Buy-in: Respecting everyone’s opinions gains more support in a long run.
In Japanese corporate culture, there is a strategic practice called nemawashi. It involves sharing proposals with colleagues early to gain their ideas and support. This ensures consensus before the official pitch, preventing surprises and increasing project enjoyment.
Embracing Criticism
Learning to accept feedback—even non-constructive—is an essential skill for anyone in a creative role. Here’s how you can start:
- Listen: Instead of preparing your defense, focus on what the speaker is saying.
- Ask Questions: Engage with feedback givers. Understand their perspective by asking clarifying questions.
- Decide What’s Useful: It’s your job to sift through the feedback and decide which parts to integrate and which to let go.
But wait, what about non-constructive feedback? Sometimes the delivery isn’t helpful, but the underlying message could point to an area needing attention. Learn to ask questions that clarify and spark discussions. This helps turn vague feedback into actionable insights.
Ancient Wisdom in Business
The importance of humility is a theme that resonates through the ages. Acknowledging that we do not have all the answers opens the door to learning from others. No matter their rank or expertise.
“And how is not this the most reprehensible ignorance, to think that one knows what one does not know?”
— Plato
The journey from being a firewall to an open-minded creator isn’t easy. It challenges our egos and our preconceptions. But it’s also a path filled with opportunities for growth and innovation.
Hey, just because you’re open to hearing people out, doesn’t mean betraying your vision. It’s like taking a step back to let others share their thoughts. Which could actually help improve your idea.
You’ll have plenty of time to think about what they said and decide how, or if, you want to use their feedback.
It’s all about making your idea as strong as it can be, without losing what you stand for.