From Me to You (and to Me, too): Let it Cool

It’s easy to give advice. I think I find it easy to take advice too.

But for me to heed the words that I say to others? Not so easy.

So this one is for both of us.

Let your hot idea cool to room temperature

You’ve got a great idea.

It’s cutting edge. It’s like nothing else the others have seen. It’s HOT.

Change happens at the fringes but some people aren’t comfortable out there, where you’re pushing boundaries.

Let it cool down.

I mean this in a couple of ways.

One, consider the unexpected consequences of your idea. Think about the outcomes that you haven’t yet thought about. Those might be the very first things your cautious colleagues consider.

Remember too that the finest meals aren’t eaten while they’re still in the oven. Get some feedback, add some garnish, make sure no roofs of mouths are going to get burned.

I might be pushing this metaphor a little too hard now, so let me put it like this: To many, the only thing that matters is revenue. Or profitability. Or return on investment.

You don’t have to dumb your idea down. You do have to explain it carefully, using the words that are important and meaningful to your audience.

Get buy-in from important others. Get support and resources by showing how your idea will help solve other people’s problems.

You can do it. You’ll be glad you did.

(And so will I!)

What do you think?

See you tomorrow!