It’s a good feeling coming up with a new idea that’s well received and supported by your colleagues. You’ve discovered the solution to a problem that will add to those around you, and the organisation itself. Eureka! But there are times when that seemingly golden idea might be viewed by others more like dead wood. Even though you might love your new idea, if the rest of the office doesn’t you might need to let it go.
It’s no secret that support for an idea can be the key to its success. As far as support from your fellow colleagues may go, a new idea will usually be viewed in one of two ways: favourable or unfavourable. 2pm coke run? Favourable idea. Working back late? Unfavourable idea. Working back late but with time in lieu and no work required on the weekend? Favourable idea.
The more beneficial your idea is to your colleagues, the more motivated they are to contribute to it in a proactive manner. In contrast, the efforts involved to inspire them to take action around something they don’t hold value in can begin to turn your new idea into more of an on-going hassle. And that’s no fun for anyone.
So knowing when to quit on your light bulb moment may be down to considering whether it’s going to collectively make everyone’s life better. In fact, the decision to give up on an unfavourable idea could very well become a well received and supported idea in itself.
[...] it, then it might possibly be time to disregard it. As we discussed in our article entitled Knowing When To Quit, if you don’t have support from your colleagues then chances are your idea will not be given [...]