It really ain't what you do, it's how you do it

So called flashes of insight are nothing of the sort.

Talent is only table stakes. Character and discomfort are the only safe bets. 

A game changing idea, a revelation that reframes how you look at things.

They actually happen gradually and all of a sudden. 

They are really slow hunches. 

Most leap forwards in any area, culture, the arts, science or whatever.

Are the sum total of the input of other minds that contributed before.

It's why Darwin and Wallace discovered evolution at the same time.

They finished a discussion that has been collectively brewing for a very long time.

Einstein and relativity, that wouldn't have happened without the trials and tribulations of others before.

On the much less important world of brand ideas, and creativity as a whole (strategy is a creative act, deal with it). 

The very best ideas actually emerge from lots of feedback and input.

It's a lot more about incremental gains than Eureka. 

 

That means teams and process allowing for lots of discussion from lots of people.

Yes, that's messier, yes it's harder. Sorry. 

It also means generosity towards each other.

And humility in yourself. 

Succeeding together rather than winning alone. 

How much of that do you see where you work?

Especially from creatives or leaders? 

 

On your own, it's about patience, staying power and curiosity.

Putting the work in to do all the reading.

Getting ok, or just plain bad down.

Then edit, precis distil until good emerges.

Or BANG!

A revelation emerges from the cacophony.

Or do it quicker and talk through it with people you trust.

Even spot something they say and have the lack of ego to move on it.

Stategy might be your responsibility, but it works better when it's everyone's job. 

 

In other words, dramatic success , of course, is about talent and experience.

But it's also about character and embracing discomfort. 

The less ego you have, the more successful you will be.

The more you embrace discomfort and ambiguity, the easier results come.

In an industry dominated by big egos, that still loves charisma over character.

That sells a predictable process over the actual output.

That's something to think about.