Five Steps That Can Help You Avoid the "Shiny New Idea" Trap

We've all experienced it – that electrifying moment when a brilliant new idea strikes us. It might pertain to a groundbreaking project at work, a book proposal, or a personal venture. The surge of creativity is exhilarating, and our eagerness to dive headfirst into action is palpable. However, as highlighted in the article "Think You Have a Great Idea? Ask These 6 Questions to Gain Perspective," this enthusiasm for "shiny new ideas" can sometimes become a double-edged sword, obscuring potential pitfalls and roadblocks. In this article, we will delve into five practical steps to help you sidestep the shiny new idea trap and maximize the prospects of your concepts.

Step 1: Pause for Perspective

Before charging full steam ahead with your novel idea, it is imperative to take a moment of pause. Reflect on the counsel provided in the aforementioned article: be receptive to different perspectives. Foster an environment that encourages diverse team members to voice their thoughts and impressions about your concept. This collective input will furnish you with invaluable insights, enriching your idea and revealing potential concerns that might have otherwise remained hidden.

Step 2: Seek What's Missing

Nobody is infallible, and even the most brilliant minds can inadvertently overlook critical aspects of their ideas. To preclude this, actively solicit feedback concerning what might be missing. Engage your team, mentors, or trusted colleagues in an open discussion about potential gaps and elements that might have been inadvertently omitted. This approach not only exhibits your willingness to improve but also has the potential to save you from costly errors down the road.

Step 3: Invite Hard Questions

In some instances, colleagues may hesitate to provide candid, constructive feedback directly. To surmount this challenge, consider what your most stringent critics might say about your idea. By envisaging potential objections and criticisms from an external vantage point, you can identify areas of vulnerability and proactively address them.

Step 4: Explore the Six Key Questions

• What stands out to you?: Encourage others to share their impressions of your idea, which can unearth novel angles and provide feedback on your communication.
• What's missing?: Elicit feedback on gaps or unnoticed aspects of your idea, signifying your receptivity to criticism and the potential for refinement.
• What would our critics say?: Encourage constructive criticism by framing it in the hypothetical voice of a critic, fostering more objective discussions.
• What would our premortem reveal?: Undertake a premortem exercise by envisioning a scenario where your project fails, thereby unearthing latent risks and weaknesses for timely mitigation.
• What would someone on the frontlines who lacks our context say?: Steer clear of the presumption that others share your insights and enthusiasm. Instead, consider the perspective of those directly affected by your decisions.
• How would our competitors celebrate if we were successful?: Transcend internal biases and envision how competitors might critique your work, offering valuable insights for preparation.

Step 5: Conduct a Premortem

Preventing failure is as vital as planning for success. Embrace the concept of a premortem, as introduced by research psychologist Gary Klein. Imagine your project one year into the future, having met with failure. Now, craft a narrative detailing the reasons and circumstances behind this failure. This exercise can unearth concealed risks and vulnerabilities, affording you the opportunity to take preemptive actions before they escalate into major roadblocks.

Step 6: Consider the Frontline Perspective

Refrain from assuming that everyone possesses the same knowledge and zeal for your idea. Instead, step into the shoes of those who will be executing your plan, individuals who might not have the same context as you. Ensure your idea is comprehensible, accessible, and mindful of the experiences it will create for those involved. This ensures your plan is not only informed by expertise but also rooted in the practical experience it delivers to others.

While the allure of a shiny new idea is undeniable, it is essential to navigate the potential pitfalls it may conceal. By adhering to the six steps outlined above, you can fortify your ideas, render them more comprehensive, and significantly heighten their potential for success. By sidestepping the limitations of a narrow perspective and embracing collaboration and critical thinking, you can amplify your prospects of bringing your brilliant concepts to fruition. Always bear in mind that ideas flourish best when subjected to a diversity of perspectives, and these steps will guide you in achieving precisely that.