An idea is only as powerful as the action that follows it. In a recent article for AMEX OPENForum, Anita Campbell asked the question that has been on my mind for months:
In this article she highlights:
“Four signs that you might be your own worst enemy when it comes to innovation.”
One of those signals is when the entrepreneur keeps changing his mind following one great idea on Monday, a different outstanding idea on Wednesday, and the team gets lost somewhere in the middle. Anita makes a great point here:
“Eventually, your employees burn out from chasing you first in one direction, then another. They stop putting effort into your ideas (why bother?) and eventually stop listening to you altogether.”
As small business owners we spend too much time:
- Learning to accept the fact that we need a team.
- Putting a team together.
Don’t just let it fall apart because we can’t capture an idea and ride that horse until we break it in. There’s something to be said for tenacity and focus. In fact, you don’t have to be a great idea man (or woman) to be a game changer. A single great concept that’s well executed holds more power than 25 unused proposals.
Ideas Carry Potential, Which Is Why They’re So Attractive
But like children, if the idea is worth something, then it has be guided into maturity. Action carries outcome.
If you’re serious about doing something new, there are three sets of questions that should follow every brainstorming session:
- How extensive is this idea? Do I have to create a new division to make it work? Build a new team? Launch a completely new product or service?
- Who do I need to help me implement this idea? Do I already have a team in place and is there enough time in their work schedule to add this new project?
- After reviewing the numbers, does the idea still make sense?
Honestly, as small business owners, if we don’t have the time to answer those questions, then we don’t have a true passion to bring the idea to life right now.
If that’s the case, simply file it away in your idea folder — the day may come.
Ideas to Action Photo via Shutterstock
It’s a tough balance between being adaptable and staying the course.