When fear walks into a brainstorming session, creativity walks out.
The outdated structure of traditional brainstorming forces people to take ownership of every idea they share, which leads to second-guessing, self-censorship, and ultimately, mediocrity.
But there’s a better way.
By prefacing ideas with “what if,” you transform the exercise from a critique of ownership to a celebration of possibility.
This small shift creates psychological safety, inviting people to share boldly and without judgment.
The lesson? Innovation doesn’t thrive in a culture of fear. It thrives in an environment of trust, curiosity, and mutual respect.
Your Next Transformative Step
Reinvention is a creative act, not just for yourself but for your entire team.
When Charles Best envisioned DonorsChoose.org, he didn’t just solve a fundraising problem; he created a movement that tapped into the generosity and creativity of millions.
Mona Bijoor’s butterfly moment didn’t just transform her career; it brought her industry into the digital age.
As a result, the entire field of fashion relies on her e-commerce platform Joor.
These stories remind us that reinvention isn’t just about personal growth—it’s about equipping others to see new possibilities.
The Pixar Braintrust
Great leadership is about creating conditions where creativity can thrive, and Pixar’s Braintrust is a masterstroke in doing just that.
A group of the most senior leaders at the company regularly gather to review each other’s work, providing valuable feedback to help elevate each contributor’s creative output.
Instead of feeling threatened or criticized, this cultural ritual elicits direct feedback that becomes a catalyst for better storytelling.
By decoupling feedback from hierarchy and fostering radical candor, Pixar has built a culture where ideas are judged on their merits, not on the status of the person sharing them.
This approach aligns beautifully with the principle that fear stifles creativity.
Pixar removes fear by ensuring that feedback focuses on the work, not the individual.
If we want to lead organizations that consistently innovate, we must create spaces where psychological safety isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s the foundation for progress.
Think like a beginner.
Jigoro Kano, the founder and highest master of Judo, chose to be buried in a white belt rather than the black belt he’d both earned and invented.
This demonstration of openmindedness reminds us that humility isn’t weakness—it’s the gateway to mastery.
Approaching work with a beginner’s mind isn’t just about personal growth; it’s about fostering a culture where creativity flourishes.
Experts often fall into the trap of complacency, relying on past successes as a crutch. But when we think like beginners, we signal to others that it’s okay to ask questions, explore new ideas, and learn together.
This creates psychological safety, where everyone feels empowered to contribute without fear of making mistakes.
To your creative success…
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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
