How to enable a big idea. by Jann Sabin

19.09.2013creativity

One thing I’ve noticed consistently is that outcomes hardly ever get better with big teams. As a matter of fact, I’d say the more people in the room, the worse the final product or idea. This is especially true when an innovative solution is required.

I think the reason is that it usually goes like this: someone has an idea, maybe someone else improves on it, but after that it starts to get diluted and worried to mediocrity.  There are “concerns”, so the thought is kicked back a little, and it goes down from there.

If you’re in charge of organizing a project that requires groundbreaking thinking, keep it small.  I work with many small teams (1 or 2 people) where the thinking gets better and better at each intersection.  These groups aren’t easy to assemble, but are the first step toward a winning outcome.