Every Idea Is Not A Good Idea!

Most of us hear and receive suggestions and ideas on various occasions. While it is generally good to receive input from others, it is important for individuals to realize that every idea, suggestion, or plan, is not necessarily a good one!

Many individuals and organizations rely upon generalized or "boiler plate" suggestions and ideas. While these ideas may be good for certain individuals and situations, they generally is no idea that is a "one size fits all" type of idea. In my three decades of consulting on a variety of different issues, including management, leadership, marketing, sales, training, organization, negotiation, and self-improvement skills, I have always attempted to distinguish myself from the crowd by individualizing plans to fit the specific needs of my clients.

Factors that may impact the needs of an organization, for example, include finances, revenue flow, strength of organization (stable, growing or dwindling membership numbers), size of membership, mission, needs, demographics, etc. What might work well for one group, or for that matter for one individual, is not always the best course of action for another.

Perhaps the only exception to this is when it comes to self-improvement, where there is certain universal truth when it comes to attitudes, "self talk," etc. However, most other areas need to be individualized.

Many people seem to be overly dependent on receiving input from others, treating the words of some self-acclaimed expert as if they were from a guru. While every idea should be listened to fully, it must be examined and evaluated according to certain criteria, before simply "running" with it. Some of these criteria include:

(1) How much does it cost? Is the reward worth the cost, in terms of dollars, personnel, and membership acceptance?

(2) Is this idea needed? Is the area it addresses a priority area? Is this simply change-for-change's sake, or does it improve some vital area?

(3) Are there any potential ramifications, negative or positive, that might occur?

(4) What would be the "action plan" for getting it to be effective?

(5) How would it impact the central mission of the organization?

While there is always a need to evaluate, organizations and individuals must approach any major change by fully evaluating its impact. Only in this manner, can one be sure if it is an idea worth examining further, and acting upon.