Why You Should Share Your Crazy Ideas at Work - The Muse

Why You Should Share Your Crazy Ideas at Work - The MuseWhy You Should Share Your Crazy Ideas at Work OK, forget about money and logistics. Tell me what your ideal partnership between our two departments would be, my colleague, Ben, said to me a few weeks ago. Forget about money? I understood why he said that, but when youre used to adhering to a pretty strict budget, its hard to not think about it. Its also hard to not think about all the other factors that may have held you back in the past.When Im tasked with planning an event or program, my mind automatically runs through a checklist. How much will it cost? Will the desired location be available? Can insert department assist with funds and staffing? I need to ensure all bases are covered before my creative process even begins. Dont be afraid to suggest crazy ideas, Ben said, as I sat there thinking and tapping my pen against my notes. When I laughed, he told me that he always starts with crazy ideas, because it helps lead other p eople to have mora realistic but great ones.Hes right, and I need to start thinking more like he does. We all should.Because the thing is, you never know what that wild thought will lead to. Sure, it might be declined right off the bat. Or, perhaps, your suggestion inspires an even better, and more brilliant idea, from your teammate. But maybe, just maybe, the decision-maker surprises you and approves your initial proposal.Im not saying these have to be completely bizarre or fantastical in nature. Im just saying that, sometimes, we need to push convention aside and abandon the standard mold (at least temporarily) to find the best solutions and to take things to the next level. My partner, for instance, works at a community market that also serves as a fast casual restaurant. Since opening almost a year ago, the classic hamburger has been on the menu. A few weeks ago, he suggested they start offering it only on Thursdays. At first, his team thought the idea was trash. Who takes a goo d item- a simple, reliable one- off the menu (except for one day)? But he provided his rationale, so they decided to give it a shot. Prior to this experiment, the store traktement around 45 burgers each week. Last week, they sold 95. Just on Thursday. They more than doubled their sales, and they decreased staffing needs, which helped save more money. Not such a trashy thought after all, eh? Heres the thing. As much as you think you can predict it, you never really know how others will respond. Nor do you always know what other departments or companies can provide or who is actually willing to lend a hand. If you assume everyones answer will be no, if you limit yourself to planning around limitations youve had in the past, youre closing a lot of doors for yourself, your team, and any clients you may serve. So, dont be afraid to propose those long shot, what-if ideas. (And dont be afraid to read this article first on how to get a yes out of anyone.) If the answer is no, you shrug it o ff and move on. But if its yes? Then you just probably put something pretty cool into motion. And thats worth the risk of rejection.