Why are Brilliant Ideas Rejected?
If you would like to play the game, try to work out the answer to the following question before carrying on to read the answer.
What have the following books and authors got in common?
“Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone” – J.K. Rowling.
“Watership Down” – Richard Adams.
“The Jungle Book” – Rudyard Kipling.
“The Hunt for Red October”- Tom Clancy.
The answer:- All the books and authors were rejected by publishers, not once, but several times. Harry Potter went unrecognised by numerous publishers including Penguin, who also initially turned down Richard Adam’s classic along with some 13 other publishers. Likewise Rudyard Kipling and Tom Clancy initially suffered the same fate.
Brilliant ideas are often rejected in all walks of life. Some of the reasons for being turned down, with the benefit of hindsight, give us all an opportunity to laugh at what appears to be ridiculously naïve assessments of the ideas.
A United Kingdom Member of Parliament, Mr. Scott-Montague MP, is on the record in 1903 as saying; “I do not believe the introduction of motor-cars will ever affect the riding of horses.”
Just as funny is Western Union’s internal memo in 1876; “This ‘telephone’ has too many shortcomings to be seriously considered as a means of communication. The device is inherently of no value to us.”
No doubt music lovers will like this one? “Guitar music is finished, it will not last.” – Dick Rowe, talent head at Decca Records UK, turning down “The Beatles” though to his credit he later signed up “The Rolling Stones”.
So why is it innovative ideas are thrown aside? The first thing to consider is where the person was when the idea originated. Usually ones, that are initially rejected, start their life with a lone creator. Maybe, like many others, you find your favourite place to have new ideas is when taking a shower. Albert Einstein said that he had his best ideas when either shaving or washing. The second consideration is what causes ideas to spring into our minds. With showering it is said that it’s the ritual of cleansing, flushing away grime, and the fact that showering wakes you up so spurring our creativity. Add to this mix a popular opinion, that it is the noise of the water flowing which stimulates your mind, and it becomes easy to understand why showering turns out to be the most favoured place for ideas. The more scientific amongst our readers may prefer the explanation that it is a dopamine high, relaxed state and distracted mind which a shower generates which makes for our great ideas originating in the shower.
However this very popular location has one quality which is both an advantage and also a draw-back. You are on your own. As a creator you are free to think without interruptions but also you are not able to share your thoughts with others until later. It seems that most ideas, which are initially rejected, are not presented as part of a team effort. With the aid of a team, one is able to present and focus a body of opinion when presenting the idea. Equally one has to make sure that your presentation is aimed at someone who understands what you are talking about. This is not as easy as it sounds especially in today’s culture of specialisation. A new idea often “breaks the mold” so someone, who has a specialised focus, may not be able to comprehend what to you, as the inventor, seems obvious.
So to increase your chances of having your idea recognised:
1) Try and convince your team – get them on your side.
2) Target and know to whom you are making your pitch.
3) Keep it simple.
4) Have an unmoveable belief in yourself.
This forth requirement is the most important attribute to have, which is why I have left it to the last, as it underpins everything else. “Belief” is an inherent characteristic which is clearly demonstrated by everyone who eventually succeeds after rejection. They have a belief in themselves and their invention which means that they NEVER give up. It is a sacrosanct requisite that everyone with an idea, who wishes to “hit the jackpot”, must never waver from having total belief in themselves, a belief which transcends all obstacles. A rejection is just another step on the road to success.
This brings to mind that I have just written a book about the adventures of a magical talking elephant, “The enchanting adventures of Abul Kandula.” I have not sent it to anyone yet. Shall I send it to you to be rejected? –
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