Today, I want to talk about something that can really put a dampener on creative problem solving: negative phrases from well-meaning colleagues. Trust me, we’ve all been there. But don’t worry, I’ve got your back! Let’s dive into the top four negative comments and how to handle them so that we can keep the positive creativity flowing.
- “We’ve done that before – it didn’t work.” Ah, the classic response from those who have been around for a while. Just because something didn’t work in the past doesn’t mean it’s doomed to fail forever. The key here is to ask some insightful questions, like: “What specifically went wrong last time? How can we learn from that and create a better version of it this time?” or “How can we improve on the way it was done before to make it work now?”
- “That idea won’t work.” Oh, the joy of critics. They love to rain on our parade before we even get started. But fear not! Instead of letting their negativity get to you, encourage them to share more about their idea. Simply ask, “Can you tell me more about your idea?” By doing this, you’ll create an environment where all ideas are accepted during brainstorming sessions. Remember, there’s plenty of time to judge the merits of our ideas later.
- “We don’t have the budget.” Budget constraints can be a buzzkill, no doubt. However, just because you can’t afford the original idea doesn’t mean you can’t find alternatives. Take a step back and think creatively. Maybe there’s a similar idea or concept that can be executed in a more cost-effective way. For example imagine you are running a street festival and need some entertainment for children. If renting a jumping castle is too expensive, you can explore cheaper options like face painting. Embrace the challenge and ask yourself, “How can we modify this idea to fit our budget?”
- “Nothing will ever come of this.” Cynicism can be a real mood-killer, especially when past experiences have left great ideas gathering dust on the shelf. But let’s not dwell on the past. Instead, let’s focus on now and ways to make something happen. Ask yourself and your team, “What can we do to help ensure these ideas are not just forgotten, but actually put into action?” It’s all about expressing ideas fully, being flexible in bringing them to life, and committing to taking action.
So there you have it! By tackling these negative phrases head-on with a positive mindset and some smart questions, you can keep the creative problem-solving train chugging along. Remember, innovation and progress come when ideas are fully expressed, flexible, and backed by action.
Stay creative and keep rocking those problem-solving skills!
