We have all heard the phrase "ready, aim, fire" and sometimes this makes sense, but if you look deeper into how teams achieve success it really should be "fire, ready, aim."
Too often people get stuck in the ready stage trying to make their project and ideas perfect, which makes me believe the "best" ideas are not the ones we see. The best ideas usually end up in the graveyard due to people spending too much time getting ready.
“The best ideas end up in the graveyard due to people spending too much time getting ready.”
If you study successful people and teams, what you will find is those who took action without a clear path become sure along the way because success becomes clearer once you get going.
“Initial steps of successful people are more “fire” than “ready.””
Here are 5 strategies to help you and your team fire first:
1. Convince your team to treat new ideas like a newborn baby
Nurture your idea, water it, and give it love.
“Convince your team to treat new ideas like a newborn baby.”
2. Produce a Minimal Viable Product (MVP)
An MVP does not need to have all the features, just the essential ones. Make it "good enough" then seek to improve it based on feedback and observations.
3. Embrace initial rejection as feedback
Don’t be so sensitive! There is no use being upset by the initial rejection or questions. Be curious and ask how the idea might be improved. Use this feedback to improve on the project.
“Feedback is the breakfast of champions.”
4. Let go of perfectionism at the start
An airplane that is going to New York City probably won't be pointing directly at the city during takeoff. However, the pilot ensures the plane lands exactly there at the end of the flight.
5. Wear the "innovator in training" badge
Think about how much leeway you give a clerk at the store if they have a badge that says "in training." Give yourself and your team the same grace when it comes to your new ideas and projects.
“Fire, Ready, Aim”
What strategy would you use to fire first? Please add to the conversation – comment on the blog or on Twitter at @gregbellspeaks.
Have a topic you would like me to address in a future blog? Please email me with your ideas and thoughts at gregbell@gregbellspeaks.com.