1. They don’t always win. Just because an idea is great doesn’t mean people will like it. Sometimes you’ll need to convince people an idea is great. That takes perseverance, hustle and a little charm.
2. Anyone can have a great idea. Listen carefully to every idea. How many great corporate ideas came from janitors or lower level employees. Don’t discount an idea because of its source.
3. Not everyone has what it takes to make a great idea happen. Just because someone comes up with a great idea doesn’t mean they are the right one to implement it. Sometimes great ideas come from those without the resources or skills to make them happen.
4. Great ideas are often slight changes away from being bad ideas. Good ideas can quickly become bad ideas when you get away from the heart of the idea.
5. The more pride you have the more resistant you will be to good ideas that aren’t your own. If you find yourself resisting many ideas, you’re probably dealing with pride. Get that under control.
6. Great ideas aren’t always new ideas. Just because an idea has been “done to death” doesn’t mean it’s a bad idea. There’s often a reason things get done to death…they’re great ideas.
7. Just because “everyone’s doing it” doesn’t make it a good idea. Sometimes there’s a reason everyone does something a certain way. But sometimes they just lack imagination or the energy to do something different.
8. A great idea in the wrong context is a bad idea.
9. Great ideas often entail a large risk. Since good ideas are a few changes away from being a bad idea, they’re risky. What if they go bad?
10. Great ideas are worth the risk.