[This article originally appeared on the American Express Open Forum]
Humans are the only species that can develop creative ideas. Our evolved brain is our best ally in the search for novel solutions.
Unfortunately, the human brain is also the greatest enemy of innovation. But not necessarily for the reason you might believe.
We read a lot about “yeah, buts” killing innovation. That is, people finding all of the reasons why a new idea won’t work. Although this might stop a good idea from coming to fruition, the only cost is opportunity cost; no real money or time is invested after the initial ideation.
The more troubling human phenomenon, as it relates to innovation, is the “wow, this is a great idea” response.
Of course the idea might indeed be great. But when you get attached to an idea, “confirmation bias” kicks in. This is when your brain looks for evidence to support your beliefs, to the exclusion of everything else.
For example, you have an idea for a new product. You gather data. You do research. You develop spreadsheets. And in the end, all of your evidence convinces you that you have a winner.
But do you? Maybe not…
Read the rest of this article on the American Express OPEN Forum