photo credit: James Jordan
Great ideas alter the power balance in relationships. That’s why great ideas are initially resisted.
This was on one of the comics shown in Hugh MacLeod’s book Ignore Everybody: and 39 Other Keys to Creativity, which is also shown on his site Gapingvoid. Do you have a great idea you are trying to implement? Do you see something that you think others might not see? When you go to implement an idea, those close to you may provide resistance because the implementation would change how they relate to you. No one usually wants the person who they see as their supporting unit to then become a leader of their own.
What happens is this type of situation is:
- a big idea is presented
- the other person worries that your idea could make you bigger than them
- your idea is attacked in a direct or indirect way
- you either give up on it or pursue implementation of it
Business Example
Let’s say a businessman named Joseph, who is part of a business group, gets an idea for how to expand the business in a completely new direction. When he presents the idea to his group-mate Jeff, Jeff realizes that implementation of this idea is enough to make Joseph more valuable to the business than him, and so he presents reasons why it will fail or cost the company in a time of worry.
Remember That Others Have Their Interests In Mind
Although we sometimes forget this point, others have their own plans, just as we do. No one wants to move down in rank or position or some similar category. When we have something we want to pursue, we usually spend most of our time thinking about how we will pursue it, and not so much time regarding how it will affect others. In the same way, others are thinking of their own upgrading, and your upgrading doesn’t really help their cause. There are some who are okay with this, but most will not want you to rise above them. This is not a bad thing, as it is healthy for each of us, but it is valuable to remember that others have their own selves to work on.
Assess Your Idea Based On Knowledge And Gut Feeling
Since you can’t reliably base the validity of a great idea of yours on one other person, you want to check on it based on your own knowledge and experience, and also information you have seen in the public. Remember that information that has been released may also not include support for your idea, potentially because the goal is to keep ideas like yours hidden, and possibly because your idea has not been implemented before(in the way you have in mind).
Some of the most important details of any effort are usually left out, so as to keep the business/idea/concept going. If a businessman gets some advantage, he will likely point out every great feature about his business except for the advantage he received. This is done to make the business seem like it is very special. This is also done to maintain the business.
No One Will Tell You This Directly
People aren’t going to point out that they don’t want you to surpass them in some form of power, because they get no benefit from it. Based on the desire for doing less work, others would want you to not try to alter any power balances that are in their favor, because it means more effort on their part, as well as a chance of losing some potency.
Great ideas or thoughts are the big thing. A great idea is a source of power that is unable to be taken, unless someone gets a better idea, or implements a similar one first, or so on. Implementing one great idea puts you ahead of a few, and then another great idea puts you ahead of some more, and soon enough, you are very hard to catch up to.
What are your thoughts? How do you feel about your positions of power? Have you had good ideas of yours resisted by folks who wouldn’t want to see you follow through on implementing them? Let us know in the comments.
{ 30 comments… read them below or add one }
Twitter: bretthimself
March 22, 2010 at 11:13 am
Armen,
YES! First comment!
In other news, people always resist change, that’s nothing new. I just try to push through them, no matter what… And I always support other peoples’ good ideas. There aren’t enough dreamers in this world; I try to support whoever’s left.
Retweeted!
.-= Brett – DareToExpress.com´s last blog ..The Real Return =-.
Twitter: Armen
March 22, 2010 at 9:38 pm
Hi Brett.
You sure are the first commenter here. We will need to slow you down somehow. We have to set up a strategic plan for how to slow Brett down people.
People sure do resist change, and change that includes them moving down in some ranking is the kind that they resist the most. It is good to push through, as you said. We can either push through or get pushed back.
That’s a good way to put it about supporting those who are still dreaming, because so few are.
Follow-up question: Why does it seem like there are so few dreamers when everyone presumably has some big dreams?
Armen, trust me bro. There are many people who have dreams. However, they have a lot to lose if they were to drop what they currently do to pursue their dreams. They might have a mortgage, they might have a family to support and several cars to pay. It’s a trap they got into and it’s much harder to leave and possibly sacrifice a lot. If their dream is bigger than the trap their in they will go for it. However, if not they will continue to live each day as it was yesterday. Go into work, have lunch, leave work, go home and do it all over again tomorrow. The approaching weekend is comforting.
.-= El Capitan´s last blog .. =-.
Twitter: Armen
March 23, 2010 at 3:41 pm
That is true that many have created self-imposed traps for themselves, and so they have indirectly(or possibly directly) gotten to a point where they put their dreams aside. Your point here does sure reinforce that the vast majority of folks do have dreams, at least in the back of their mind. It is hard to keep the mind from actively searching out a new frontier.
Hi Armen, this is interesting. To answer your last question, I don’t know if I’ve ever had thoughts or ideas resisted by people who didn’t want to see me on following through with them. Honestly, I think that’s kind of mean, but I’m sure there have been times in my life that this has happened to me. I think if you have an idea, just go with it. Don’t worry about what other people think or say. If you have that gut feeling like you mentioned here, or just believe in an idea, you can’t be conservative with it; you just have to take the risk or you’ll never know how that idea will turn out to be like. Thanks for this post Armen. I’m going tweet this on TweetDeck because I currently can’t log into my Twitter account.
.-= Hulbert´s last blog ..Jim Carrey and Desperation =-.
Twitter: Armen
March 23, 2010 at 2:37 pm
Hi Hulbert.
It sure is mean huh. I would say that the resistance is usually indirect, as people really benefit from saying things directly.
That makes sense about not worrying what other people think or say, “or you’ll never know how that idea will turn out to be like”. I have had this occur, and I still don’t know what certain ideas would have turned out like. On the other hand, I do know how things would turn out for things I did try out. The not knowing is the difficult part.
Lacking execution on a great idea that suits us sure is a sad thing.
Follow-up question: Do we ever fully give up on an idea, or do we then try to incorporate a part of it into some other future effort?
Twitter: aflourishinglif
March 22, 2010 at 6:45 pm
Hi Armen,
People who squelch others’ ideas do so because they feel threatened. There is a poverty mentality that says there aren’t enough good ideas or positive feedback to go around. This makes me sad.
The open-hearted position is to support everyone and everything. It’s generous and comes from a place of there being more than enough to go around. When we live in this level of openness, it becomes joyful to support someone else’s good idea. The person who feels threatened assumes that it will diminish him in some way if he gets on board with the idea. This may not necessarily be true. When we approach situations with openness, you never know what is going to happen.
It simply feels good to tell the truth (that the idea is a good one) and to appreciate the happiness and success of the person who came up with it. It’s a win-win to be generous.
.-= Gail @ A Flourishing Life´s last blog ..The Art of Listening to the Still, Small Voice Within =-.
Twitter: Armen
March 23, 2010 at 2:52 pm
Hi Gail.
That makes sense about the feeling threatened by the ideas of others. That lacking mentality sure can lead to some awkward efforts to limit others.
“When we approach situations with openness, you never know what is going to happen.” That is a cool thing. All the surprise and potential remains, while none of it remains when we go into actions with a closed mindset. We close off all paths of entry, and then can be disappointed.
That’s a valid point about appreciating the happiness of the person who came up with a good idea. There is a fair amount of energy required to come up with one and tell it to others, and most don’t recognize this energy.
Follow-up question: What, if any, are the downsides of supporting a good idea that someone is interested in executing?
Do you guys feel when you sense that someone is trying to block your plans and ideas that can position you to elevated greatness that you should drop them, their opinions, and their influence on you?
How can you tell when they are sincerely trying to share something meaningful or are just trying to shut you down?
.-= El Capitan´s last blog .. =-.
Twitter: Armen
March 23, 2010 at 3:38 pm
Hi El Capitan.
That one is a tough call. It is important to take a look at the factors of intent that someone has. Spending some time to assess their intent makes things more clear. We can then see where we have someone with good intent thinking that something else would be better for us, or that they might not know all the factors, or so on.
Also, sometimes people partially shut someone’s efforts down as a quick impulse reaction, and then are more likely to think about them. Even I have been surprised when I have heard some things others have wanted to do, and later realized I could have been more warm to their plans, and I think of myself as a supportive person. People might need to be warmed up to plans.
Follow-up question: How much influence should we allow someone else to have over us? Should we allow anyone to have any?
How much influence should we allow someone else to have over us?
This is a one of those questions Armen where your boundaries must be clear. Without clear boundaries we can get hurt in the process. I see predetermined boundaries must be set here my man.
.-= El Capitan´s last blog .. =-.
Twitter: Armen
March 26, 2010 at 7:29 am
That is true. A boundary lets others know what they can and can’t do with respect to us. When we set them before even meeting someone, the ball is always in our court. They can also be set during the relationship, but then they have to be set in a tough way. Regardless, having them maintains our sense of self, and reminds us that we have goals that are a high priority.
Armen: Interesting article and topic. I think that Gail makes a great point because you often see people attempting to destroy other people’s ideas when they feel threatened. I think when you have a great idea you have to be aware of the type of environment and whether or not it is receptive to new ideas and to change. There are usually ways to get people to embrace your ideas, even in challenging environments and we have to identify the best approach. I have seen some great ideas just die because they weren’t well received and so we essentially have 2 challenges: (1) create a great idea and (2) determine what you will need to do to have people embrace it. We have to really focus on both aspects so that great ideas can be given an opportunity to really take off.
.-= Sibyl – alternaview´s last blog ..Change Your Routine and Get Better Results =-.
Twitter: Armen
March 24, 2010 at 8:44 pm
Hi Sibyl.
Thanks about the article. Gail sure did bring up a good point there. People feel threatened by something, and then they put in effort to cut at someone’s idea, maybe because they feel that their idea was cut down. It is a cycle that isn’t helpful for either party.
Your point about the two challenges is valid to take into account because it shows that creating a great idea is not enough by itself. As Seth Godin would describe the hard part as “shipping”, having others embrace it might be more important. We all have some ideas rolling around in our heads.
Hey Armen,
Interesting thoughts. I’m in the process of just trusting what feels right and running with that, this seems to work well for me. When I try to overthink the process the ego gets in the way and things like you mention here may start to come out into the surface. I think it really just is about being true to who you are and follow your dreams and be okay with that, no matter what you percieve people are “trying” to do.
Twitter: Armen
March 24, 2010 at 8:46 pm
Hi Baker.
Thanks about the thoughts here. Trusting what feels right is a good way to rise over any worry of what someone else might have in mind. It isn’t worth much to worry for hours about someone when they might not even be worrying about us for a minute. Others can’t place themselves in our minds, as it is only us who can allow thoughts of them to be ruminated upon.
Have I had my ideas shot down? All the time – It helps that I am neither shy nor lacking in self-esteem so I express away with full confidence, and so long as I have prepared and done my homework on the subject matter, I try not to concern myself with what others think as long as my idea is solid. In the corporate world, you pick your battles. No matter what the great heroic path may be, there are consequences to the vocalist running around with the idea that goes against the tide – and no doubt whatsoever that those ideas turn into huge changing events in our society sometimes – but sometimes, the idea and the creator of idea are shot down or disregarded altogether and no implementation happens. That is why it is both a curse and a blessing to be out on your own, making your own way and taking risks. It’s not for all of us, but I applaud those who pursue those ideas relentlessly! Prolific Living definitely approves Armen, keep it up. You have my stamp of approval…
!
Twitter: Armen
March 24, 2010 at 10:48 pm
Hi Farnoosh.
People sure do shoot ideas down. It is a good thing you have ample self-esteem so you can ward off those attempts.
That makes sense about the consequences of going against what the majority are doing, as it has the potential to undermine their efforts, although it is usually intended to aid their efforts.
There’s nothing like having a great idea, presenting it to the populace, and having it broken down into parts. Rejection is painful, regardless of how it is felt.
I appreciate your and Prolific Living’s support.
Also, if I was able to confiscate your stamp of approval, I could use it anywhere. I could put your stamp of approval on a cinnamon container, or a car battery.
I think it’s sad that too many people are simply selfish. And I think blogging gives you a chance to show that you could change that.
I think you are right. There are people that, when you present your idea to them, they will tell you that it won’t work simply because it’s a good idea or because it could work.
I don’t believe though that everyone is like that. There are some people that behave that way but there are also others that behave differently and will encourage you to take the next step to turn your idea into reality
.-= Julius Kuhn-Regnier´s last blog ..10 Secrets to the Best Comments Ever =-.
Twitter: Armen
March 26, 2010 at 7:25 am
Hi Julius.
It is a bit disheartening about any selfishness we may see, but it is a reminder that we can benefit from not acting in that way.
Also, there sure are a few that do encourage bold actions, and those are the people to team up with, or at least be around. The same person who knocks down one of your ideas today is likely to do so next week, and the same person who supports your ideas today is likely to do so next week. It is good to see personality trends as soon as possible, and work with those folks who are empowering to the type of person you are.
THis is great Armen. I’ve learned the real value is in the carry through and persistence of an idea more than the idea itself, so its more in how you pursue it than what the idea actually is itself. The roadblocks in the way if surpassed, makes any idea better than one that is forgotten. Cool article!
.-= Mike King´s last blog ..My Theme was Hacked here at LearnThis.ca! =-.
Twitter: Armen
March 26, 2010 at 7:27 am
Hi Mike.
Thanks there. That is a good way to put it. The value is in the “carry through and persistence”. I have 100 ideas I could type out right now, but the only ones that matter are the ones I set plans to execute, which is only a couple of them.
Roadblocks sure are something that people indirectly love when we cross. When someone is called “amazing”, or some similar word, it usually means that they crossed hurdles that usually hold others back.
One of the best books on this subject is Adversity Paradox and covers the nuances of this immensely well. Just thought I’d mention it in case people want to explroe the subject more.
.-= Mike King´s last blog ..Are You Great At Work? =-.
Twitter: Armen
March 28, 2010 at 8:24 am
I am quite sure I have read part of that book, and I look to read more of it at a later time, based on this recommendation.
Thanks for the extra reading note.
Armen, thanks for the great post and the wonderful photo. I think that great ideas will always be resisted mightily, even by your nearest and dearest, because the very definition of “great” means that it is beyond ordinary thinking and thus outside of the known comfort zone. People can also simply be afraid that in realizing your great idea you may leave them behind – that they may no longer be so important in your life. You can choose to work together with people who empower you and support your ideas. But greatness in ideas also calls on your courage to go it alone when you have no support at all. That’s when you integrate your great idea with the practical reality of realization and if you accomplish this, you enter a new phase where once again you find a network of empowerment and support.
From the mountains of Japan I invite you to try out a simple exercise in the power of intention I just posted on my blog. If we can do this, we can do it in all areas of our live, including manifesting our great ideas – Catrien Ross.
.-= Catrien Ross´s last blog ..Catrien Ross on Stretching Your Potential Through the Real Power of Intention to Direct Your Energy Flow =-.
Twitter: Armen
March 28, 2010 at 8:36 am
Hi Catrien.
I sure liked the photo match as well, with the balance of the rocks in place. I like rocks also. They are very simple.
They sure are resisted heavily for those reasons. People don’t want to be left behind. They know that if they help you become a star of some sort, you will then be that star, and then might not have much time for them. This is a selfish way to work, for them, so it is those who aren’t selfish who end up getting the most in return. Our personality is a very large factor of whether we get support or not.
Also, from a larger perspective, when we have a great idea, and we feel a lot of resistance toward it, we have to see what kind of intent the resistance has. If the bottom-line effect is that the resistance holds us back for nothing, we have to ignore it. I read a story about a 13 year old double-major at a university. I am sure that many others want him to quit because he makes them look slow in comparison, but he ignores that and continues on, because that intent is not meant to help him.
Hi Armen,
I really see this as a scarcity mentality vs. an abundance mentality. Seeing others succeed can be difficult for some people…especially when it challenges power or position. The thing is – holding someone back, though, limits them from their full potential. and if we can support them in their role, what we have really done is create an ally for ourselves going forward. And I’ll take that….
.-= Lance´s last blog ..Sunday Thought For The Day =-.
Lance, I really liked your response more than anyone else. This was the most influential and meaningful response yet.
.-= El Capitan´s last blog .. =-.
Twitter: Armen
March 28, 2010 at 8:40 am
Hi Lance.
That sure is a part of it. When we think that there is a lot of limitation in the minds of people around us, we are less likely to put forth a great idea, because we will then stick out like a sore thumb. We might as well challenge power or position, because that is where goodness is. Letting everything stay the same is where disappointment comes from.
You are right about also creating an ally when we help someone who is branching out.
El Capitan,
It sure was valuable to add. Mentality is a big part of the balance. Our thoughts maintain any balances we currently have.
How do you feel about your positions of power?
That is a hard question to answer, because I’ve not really thought about this question. If pushed I would say my strength comes from being flexible, but I’m not sure if that is a position of power. Especially when your trying to implement an idea.
Have you had good ideas of yours resisted by folks who wouldn’t want to see you follow through on implementing them?
I’ve had lots of ideas resisted. The most successful approach I’ve had to implementing ideas is by making friends, since I don’t have a position of power. Of course, being well liked is a kind of power; celebrities are a good example of the power that comes with being liked.
Still it is worth remembering that some people will resist your idea for malicious reasons. They are always difficult to deal with, but it is worth remembering that they only have their own interest at heart. This is their weakness and their strength.
.-= Martin´s last blog ..Good Communication =-.