As I’ve mentioned in the past (and here), I’m a big fan of the cartoons – or marketoons – that Tom Fishburne creates. He has a knack for concisely capturing challenges people face in the business environment without being preachy about it.
Once again he’s created a great one with his take on barriers to brainstorming sessions. I’ve witness these four horsemen – along with about a dozen additional horsemen – during the many brainstorming sessions I’ve led or participated in over the last 20+ years.
Don’t get me wrong, brainstorming sessions are often far from productive – even without the appearance of the “horsemen.” But, their benefit is greatly minimized if ideas are stifled before they germinate and grow. This is especially true for ideas that might seem “way out there.”
So don’t kill an idea too quickly. You just might pass up something that could be revolutionary.