What happens when someone asks you, not to think of something? Try it out: Do not think about a pink elephant!
What do you do when you are asked to provide an informa not to consider? In most cases, you will do it anyway. Why?
The point is: The thought of not doing something is hard-wired into our brains and is likely to encourage us to do something anyway. This is one reason why so many innovations fail because of doubters, which put it in our heads that something will not work.
We tend cognitively to avoid negative outcomes. And even more so than we seek positive outcomes. In consequence, our minds focus with laser precision on the potentially negative aspects of each idea. "No..." "doesn't work... "won't"... "can't..."
In addition, negative words trigger activity changes in brain regions involved in the Suppression of active motor, cognitive, and affective processes. are involved. So just having someone name the reasons why an innovation will fail can lead us to see only the obstacles. No one wants to fail!
How then should one deal with doubts in order to positively influence the success of innovation?
Instead of getting caught up in the frustration of repeating the same mistake, develop a different plan. We need to reprogram our brain to Approach innovation positively.
Negativity Bias refers to our tendency to give more weight to negative experiences and information compared to positive ones. This often leads to risk aversion and a reluctance to try new things, which can be a significant barrier to innovation.
Below are some ways that innovation can overcome the negativity bias:
- Emphasize the potential benefits: One way to counteract negativity is to focus on the potential benefits of an innovative idea or solution. By highlighting the positive outcomes that could result from trying something new, people are more willing to take a chance and try something new.
- Promote a culture of experimentation: By creating an environment where experimentation and failure are valued, people are more willing to take risks and try new things. When failure is seen as a natural part of the innovation process and an opportunity to learn and improve, people are more willing to take a risk and try something new.
- Provide evidence and data: People are more likely to be convinced by evidence and data than by anecdotal or emotional arguments. If you provide concrete evidence of the potential benefits of an innovative idea or solution, people are more likely to consider it.
- Use storytelling: Storytelling is an effective way to overcome negative biases. By telling compelling stories about the potential benefits of an innovative idea or solution, people are more likely to recognize the potential value of a new approach.
- Involve people in the innovation process: People are more willing to support ideas and solutions that they themselves have helped to create. By involving people in the innovation process and giving them the opportunity to contribute their ideas and perspectives, they may be more willing to invest in the success of the innovation and take a chance on something new.
