This isn't a scientific answer, but when it comes to brainstorming and creativity, our negativity falls into four groups.
In the immortal words of 'Chris,' a former colleague who was arguing with me about the validity of brainstorming: “Where’s the intelligence in wasting time coming up with ideas which don’t or won’t work? Give me the Big Idea now.” Chris never saw the double standard at work here. It was fine if we spent a considerable amount of time on discussing, debating and massaging the right strategy, but it was unacceptable if the Big Idea didn't emerge in an hour's brainstorm.
It's not acceptable, but it's understandable at the same time. Creative thinking is largely an invisible task. It probably doesn't look like real work to many people. After all, isn't it a common myth or fantasy that an idea appears in perform from after a blinding flash of inspiration?
2. We’re conditioned to be negative.Perhaps you've heard the famous statistical piece of news that the average human being has 60,000 thoughts a day, and that 90% are the same thoughts you had yesterday, and worse, 80% are negative.
I've never been able to identify where those statistics originated, but plenty of other documented evidence suggest our negativity is built up through formal education. For most subjects, we’re taught to learn one common answer through memorization, or to learn a specific yet repetitive way to do a task. In other words, there’s only one acceptable answer to every problem - and that's the opposite philosophy of creativity: to create as many possible solutions to solve a need or problem.
3. It’s a cultural characteristic.We often blame our negativity on our culture, specifically how it influences how we live, work and think. We define ourselves – or are defined – by 'society', which might be our nationality, community or workplace. To change or go against the common direction takes courage since, at some point in history, being, acting or thinking different has been wrong in virtually every country on Earth. It’s understandable that it may be one of the most difficult influences to overcome, but it’s certainly not a reason to stay the same. In fact, the most successful companies - people, even - are the ones who constantly evolve and change.
4. Negativity is an unconscious way to avoid work or change.Perhaps an ugly reality, but there’s a kernel of truth to the thought that condemning something might be a way to avoid doing something, particularly changing an environment or situation. Any of these common statements demonstrates my point. If I am negative, nothing happens. I don’t have to do anything. I don’t have to change the status quo. I don’t have to work harder. I don’t have to challenge myself.
It’s also easy to rationalize too. I help others by correcting their mistakes. I clarify the group’s confusion by dominating all other opinions with my own. I mentor others by demonstrating how smart I am by pointing out why a particular idea won’t work. A friend pointed out that all these statements means we don't have to lift a finger, but we can also feel good about ourselves in the process!
In the end, does negativity ever have any positive value in creativity? NO.Unlike bad ideas – which can be adapted to create good ideas – negativity without constructive direction is simply destructive. I’ve found that the only people who will tell you that negativity has value are the ones who use it as a red-hot poker of power against subordinates or colleagues. (Have you ever noticed that none of these types put up with anyone ever being negative of their ideas? As my Grandma used to say, 'Less traffic on a one-way street.')
In the end, it’s not worth expending energy on a bad idea that will die its own death at the end of the brainstorm. More so, it’s not worth tearing down a colleague’s confidence simply to build up one’s ego.
Next up: suggestions on what to do about negativity.
