IF YOU’RE HAPPY AND YOU KNOW IT, CLAP YOUR HANDS!

What has the world of brainstorming great ideas in corporate America come to? Have executives become so concerned about appearances that they have forgotten to spontaneously get excited—really excited—when a great idea comes to the table?

Perhaps we are all so well trained (and well mannered) to present ideas with great patience and composure that we forget to go wild when we hit on something truly amazing. The executive poker faces, straight postures and folded hands around the conference table could be better served with full-on laughter, thumbs up and unbridled enthusiasm when a great idea comes to play.

It might be because everyone is waiting to take a turn to speak. Or it could be because some people just don’t want to commit to an idea until they see everyone’s buy in. Maybe they don’t trust their first impressions and want to let the idea sink in first. Or some executives might be afraid to have a positive reaction before considering all the possible negatives. After all, isn’t garnering feedback first the sign of a good leader?

Still, just once, it would be great if everyone in the room didn’t hold back when a great idea is introduced. “I love it!” “Wow, that’s perfect!” “Gee, I wish I would have thought of something so amazing!” Laughter and crazy applause might follow. Some people might even leave their seats and jump up and down. It could just make everyone’s day.

After all, no idea is perfect, so what do we have to lose when leaving caution to the wind and taking a moment to celebrate a great idea right away? Maybe I’ll be bold and try it in our next meeting; maybe you can, too. Be sure to let me know how it goes!

Ruth Drizen-Dohs
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