When ideas of others don’t fit within patterns we are comfortable with – we tend to start “barking.” Being consistently overly critical may have us overlooking the unusual but insightful ideas right in front of us.
Avoid saying anything negative for about thirty seconds when faced with an new or challenging idea or person. During the thirty seconds focus on interesting and useful aspects of the circumstance you are faced with. Negative biases will be counteracted and you may even be inspired.
If, at the end of the thirty seconds you still have negative feelings, start “barking.”
If you are having negative issues after the thirty second intermission, use the “creative veto.” If you must use your veto power have a creative solution ready. A simple “no” is an unintelligent and lazy answer. Use the necessary mental power and use the “creative veto.”
