Are your ideas being overlooked? Thought & Action

Introduction

Have you ever found yourself in a team meeting where someone calls out an issue, giving a carefully and well articulated problem statement without providing a solution? Maybe that individual was even expecting to start a thoughtful discussion around the issue that they proactively brought up, putting their ideas out there and sharing.

While well-intentioned, this approach can be counterproductive. Think about it, this approach puts the responsibility and onus of the problem on others, specifically with coming up with a solution. Ideas presented in the form of standalone problem statements, are often overlooked, this week, I’m exploring why that is, and discussing some recommendations on how to address and change that dynamic.

Insight

The misconception that pointing out a problem and offering a high-level solution alone is sufficient, will likely lead to ideas “being ignored.” Putting this in the context of a Six Sigma process would be akin to defining the problem, possibly delving into root cause analysis and data examination, but stopping short of implementing improvements. When we don't have clear action plans to solve problems, our ideas often get stuck in the presentation or discussion phase, and this can come across as oversight from others for these ideas.

This oversight has repercussions, it can manifest passively through a lack of engagement and minimal feedback, or actively through exclusion from discussions, dismissive language, or interruptions. Over time, this can cause significant harm to team dynamics and culture, resulting in negativity, sarcasm, and even cynicism.

Recommendations

You can get the ball rolling by taking these steps yourself or sharing some helpful advice with others. Make sure to do this within the context of fostering participation and asking questions:

1. Present Comprehensive Solutions: To overcome the challenge of being overlooked, don't just point out issues—provide detailed solutions. Break it down into a problem or gap, followed by a proposed solution. Suggest concrete actions to bridge the gap and address the issue. This proactive approach demonstrates that you're actively contributing to the discussion.
2. Take Charge of the Conversation: By offering specific recommendations as part of your proposed solutions, you position yourself as a leader in the discussion. Taking charge in this way can guide the conversation in a more productive direction. Your clarity and proactive stance will be more likely to gain attention and respect.
3. Invite Participation: To ensure that your ideas are acknowledged, invite others to participate in the conversation. Ask for their input to validate your understanding of the problem. This inclusive approach fosters collaboration and demonstrates your willingness to consider different perspectives.

Conclusion

So if you've ever wondered why your ideas have fallen by the wayside, maybe it’s because they lacked the crucial element of comprehensive solutions. To address this issue, it's imperative to go beyond merely pointing out problems and offer well-thought-out solutions. Take the lead in discussions by presenting concrete recommendations that guide the conversation toward productivity, ensuring your insights are valued and respected. We can do this in a nonthreatening way by embracing collaboration and inviting others to contribute, as this inclusive approach fosters a diverse range of perspectives and sets the stage for success. By doing this, you can break the cycle of being overlooked.