Making A Positive Contribution

I’m really good at poking holes in plans, exposing weaknesses, and playing devil's advocate. Guess what? So is everybody else. Turns out these things aren’t particularly challenging or useful.

They’re the lowest level of pseudo contribution. They make us feel smart. They make us feel like we’re contributing. But unless there’s something ridiculously wrong, a glaringly dangerous miscalculation - this approach is less than useful.

I already know most of what’s wrong with my idea. I already know it’s not perfect. I don’t need anyone to tell me every single way my idea has fallen short, I need someone to pick it up and run with it despite its imperfection.

If we’re brainstorming I need someone to give me thoughtful input on how to make the plan better. Here lives the crux of this idea: Poking holes in a plan isn’t the same thing as creating a better plan.

If you’re in the habit of constantly poking holes in the plan without offering up a meaningful, actionable, culturally relevant alternative, just know that your boss notices. Your teammates notice. Your organization notices. (Copy and paste to all the people in your personal life: your partners, friends, and family.)

While you genuinely might be trying to help, you’re likely creating a situation where you’re seen as a cultural outsider. Inadvertently lowering the value of your potential contribution.

“Should we bring in Chris?”
“No, Chris’ contribution is never constructive, he just talks shit about everything.”

Over time my negative attitude had taken me out of the conversation of how to make things better.

I deeply wanted to be a part of the conversation so I made a pivot in my default response from: “This is why this won’t work” to “I can make that happen for you.”