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Even if you're among the most uncreative, you
have the tools to stifle new ideas that constantly threaten your comfort and security. I'm
not talking about mealy-mouthed nitpicking. Most creative people are clever enough to deal
with that. When a really hot idea is about to upset your apple cart, you need strong
ammunition. And I'm going to give it to you.
1. What's wrong with the old way? Toss the hot potato right back in their
laps. Send those creative whippersnappers scurrying. Creatives sound like a bunch of
ninnies when they get defensive.
2. Has this idea been killed before? Find out how and do it again. The
most powerful weapon of the uncreative is an old objection.
3. Appeal to common sense. Especially if you have an audience. The mediocre will cheer, vice presidents will applaud, and your fellow
uncreatives will kiss your feet.
4. Ask who it will hurt? Don't ever take a creative idea sitting down.
Rally the opposition. Wake up everyone who stands to lose. Stir up those sticks in the
mud.
5. Rip their clothes off. Creative people always have something up their
sleeves. That's why they wear loose shirts. Find those anticipated award, raises,
promotions, and expose them.
Of course, if you can, you want to nip creative initiative in the bud, before it bites you
in the butt. Shower creatives with phony promotions. Constant lip service works, too.
Don't forget to regulate. Standardize. And above all, measure,
measure, measure! What creative person can argue with numbers?
A word of warning. Be careful. You can stifle creativity, but you can't kill it. No matter
how hard you try. Because, as we all know, the right brain works.
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