Voting for the Best Idea

Why you should shamelessly steal this phrase.

If we’ve worked on a project together, there’s a really good chance that, at some point, you’ve heard me say “I’ll vote for the best idea”.

I picked this phrase up a few years ago and have gotten alot of mileage out of it ever since. I love this phrase.

Why?

Simply saying “I’ll vote for the best idea” does a few things:

First, and maybe most importantly, it acknowledges that you’re open to new / different / better ideas. Chances are good that you have an opinion on whatever topic, but saying this phrase ensures the group know that you’re willing to be convinced of an alternate path.

Second, because of the first point, it invites ideation and brainstorming. It creates a safe place for others to volunteer their own ideas – which often leads to a jam session where each idea builds upon the previous. And, if each idea builds, at the end of the process, you should be armed with a better solution.

Third, it uses the word “vote”, which reminds everyone that this is a team effort – not a dictatorship. Everyone gets a say and every opinion is valid, respected, and worthy of consideration and discussion. It’s worth noting that using “vote” doesn’t automatically mean every decision will be made by consensus – it simply means that all ideas are evaluated openly before a decision is ultimately made.

The phrase can, however, be a double-edged sword. It’s powerful – but you have to mean it. To ensure you will live up to your end of the bargain:

You have to truly be open to new / different / better ideas (if you’ve already made up your mind, saying this is disingenuous).

You have to be ready for a jam session (if you’re not there, don’t invite it).

You have to be willing to lean into the team effort implied by the word “vote” (if you’re going to do the whole exercise and then pull out a RACI, skip this phrase).

With that in mind, I’d invite you to test drive using “I’ll vote for the best idea”. I’d highly recommend adding it to your lexicon.

Thanks for spending time with me in my workshop,

Eric