The Cost of Permission
I've seen three approaches when trying to bring new ideas to the light of day:
No Matter What
No matter what is the most audacious. Its the attitude of saying to the world that no matter how many people don't like something – and how unsuccessful an idea may be – the problem is not the idea itself but rather that people don't get it. The idea is right, people just don't understand it. Redoubled efforts seem to be the next step if the idea doesn't take.
100% Likability
This approach is where we seem to find our solace as we run away from the ‘no matter what' viewpoint. We don't want to be that hard-headed extremist so we go into the ‘all opinions count' mode. The idea being that the more people we ask to comment, and the more opinions we use to shape our idea, the more successful the outcome will be. G. K. Chesterton said, "I've searched all the parks in all the cities and found no statues of committees." At best, most attempts at this approach result in a watered-down version of an originally radical (and good) idea.
Tested & Informed
The third approach is where I believe the greatest success lies. Opinions are sought after and considered, but not always acted on. Ideas are tested, but the results are treated as just that – test results. They are worth a discussion, but may not be worthy of actual influence. They are filtered, assessed, and prioritized. The risk still sits squarely with those behind the curtain making the decisions, but those decisions will have gained wisdom through insight.
Where permission may provide more initial confidence, it will give little in the way of long-term efficacy.
My hope is that as you endeavor in your own ideas – whether creative, artistic, brand-oriented, or business-minded – you will not seek permission but rather wisdom.
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