2024 Idea-Sharing Resolutions

The New Year is starting and my office is empty, as I have a social life.

In the stillness of the season's first snowfall in 2024 (if there is in fact snow where you are, here there is none atm), a thought arises in me, cultivated through valuable discussions with trusted colleagues.

This is not an original thought as I thought of it a year ago, but it's a new blog so no one cares.

The idea revolves around a crucial aspect of progress and innovation within organizations and, by extension, the wider business landscape that we will all be a part of in 2024.

This thought explores the dynamics of idea sharing and its impact on company growth so, in the same spirit, I share it with you now.

In many organizations, those I built included, there exists a hesitation to share new ideas. This reluctance often stems from a fear of idea theft, where an individual worries their concept might be co-opted by the company or a colleague, leaving them sidelined.

However, this mindset overlooks a critical element of innovation.

Leading voices in the startup community often counter this fear by emphasizing that an idea, in isolation, holds little value—it's the execution that matters. While this sentiment has merit, it doesn't fully capture the essence of a groundbreaking idea. After all, if ideas were truly worthless, there would be no desire to seek them out, so this post would be deemed worthless.

But Alas, it is not!

The true value, I believe, lies in the timeliness of an idea.

Recognizing this, we have shifted our focus towards identifying and nurturing pre-competitive technologies. This strategic pivot underscores a vital principle: if you have an idea, share it, especially if you are not in a position to bring it to fruition immediately.

However, how do you know if the idea is timely or not?

In the fast-paced world of technology, similar ideas are likely being conceived simultaneously across the globe. Thus, the speed of implementation becomes a decisive factor in the innovation race. Keeping your ideas to yourself may only lead to future regrets about missed opportunities.

Sharing ideas within an organization opens multiple avenues for positive outcomes. The most rewarding scenario is when the organization backs your vision, allowing you to lead the project, and potentially rise to a partnership role in a venture-builder model if your company or ecosystem has one.

More commonly, your idea might be executed under your supervisor's leadership.

While this might seem less ideal, it can still benefit you through recognition, bonuses, or career advancement opportunities, especially if your boss progresses and pulls you up the ladder.

It is also very possible that your idea is stupid and that your boss will then get fired, which allows you to possibly take their place, and you might even feel personal satisfaction.

In conclusion, the culture of open idea-sharing is not just about fostering creativity; it's about leveraging collective intelligence for organizational growth and personal development. By embracing this approach, we can navigate the complexities of the tech industry with agility and foresight, turning ideas into tangible success stories.

I wish you a great New Year, full of health, love, success, and new ideas.

And please share your ideas if you like your boss, or if you hate him. It does not matter, really.