Ideas: Raising the Dead

In meetings, particularly those of an enthusiastic bent, it can be especially important to pick up ideas that have been quickly dismissed and give them one more glance before sending them on their way.


Too many groups rush past potentially valuable points because of preconceived notions. We've all seen situations in which Alpha makes the same observation that Beta made earlier, only this time it is embraced. [Cue the famous Federal Express commercial.] As aggravating as that behavior may be, at least the idea survives.


It can be both helpful and amusing, while in a large meeting, to keep a list of the ideas that are given little consideration. Some of them - or at least portions of them - may deserve a revival. Furthermore, the people who surfaced them will appreciate a fair hearing.