The 9-Second Version.
Your team’s most valuable insights aren’t being shared—not because they don’t exist, but because people are afraid to speak up.
By creating space for honest, uncomfortable conversations, you unlock hidden innovation and protect your edge before it dulls.
Discover.
MIT Sloan Management Review recently published an insightful piece, “10 Essential Leadership Tips for 2025.”
You should check out #3 in particular: “Get honest input: Empower people to stop self-censoring.” Professor Jim Detert’s insight here is powerful, especially his wonderfully phrased question to surface critical issues: “What undiscussables would we discuss if we decided to discuss our undiscussables?”
I hear it time and time again — “I want to be creative, but I stop myself by judging my own ideas.” This isn’t just an individual challenge; it’s an organizational one.
When your team self-censors and vital conversations don’t happen, innovation stalls. Creating a space where these ‘undiscussables’ can safely emerge is a key leadership lever for unlocking genuine feedback and fostering a truly innovative culture.
Think.
Consider your own team meetings or strategic discussions. How confident are you that you’re hearing the whole story, not just the comfortable or politically safe parts?
What crucial insights, early warnings, or truly innovative ideas might be evaporating into silence because people feel they can’t (or shouldn’t) speak up?
What’s the potential innovation cost to your organization if these ‘undiscussables’ remain unspoken?
Do.
Identify one upcoming team meeting or create a dedicated safe space to gently surface an ‘undiscussable.’
Try adapting Professor Detert’s approach by asking this question at your next meeting:
“I’m curious: If we were to talk openly about things we don’t normally discuss regarding this, what topics or feedback might come up that usually don’t?”
Your role is pivotal: listen actively, acknowledge all contributions without judgment, and thank your team for their courage. The goal isn’t to solve everything on the spot, but to open the door to more honest and productive dialogue, which is foundational for innovation.
To your creative success…
PS: Want to share this issue of Find A Way? Just copy and paste the link or forward the email version. Did someone share this with you? Subscribe here to get your own copy delivered straight to your inbox every Monday.
About Josh
Josh Linkner is a New York Times bestselling author, serial entrepreneur, venture capital investor, professional jazz guitarist, and a globally recognized innovation expert. To learn more or to explore a collaboration, visit JoshLinkner.com
Read more editions of
