In the early days of my career, I was the idea machine. You know the type. Bursting with energy. Tossing out creative concepts like confetti at a parade. And more often than not, those ideas were met with polite nods and uncomfortable glances from the leadership team. I can still hear the gentle but firm rebukes: “That’s not how we do things here.” Or the ever-popular, “We tried that before, and it didn’t work.”
Nothing shuts down a creative spark faster.
When I finally stepped out of the corporate world, I naively thought I was leaving those idea roadblocks behind. Surprise! That resistance to new thinking doesn’t magically vanish when you become your own boss. Whether I’m talking with a startup founder or a seasoned entrepreneur, those same phrases crop up. Different setting, same vibe.
But here’s the thing. I haven’t changed. I’m still that person pitching “what ifs” and “why nots” and the occasional idea that sounds completely off the wall. The difference now? I’ve learned how to turn those dead-end phrases into meaningful, forward-moving conversations.
The Magic of “Why?”
When someone throws out, “That’s not how we do things here,” I resist the urge to roll my eyes or launch into a sarcastic comeback. Instead, I take a breath, smile, and ask one simple question: “Why?”
Just that. No judgment. No pushback. Just curiosity.
It’s amazing what happens when you let silence hang in the air for a moment. People start talking. They explain their process. They reflect on why they do things a certain way. And more often than not, the conversation shifts from “No, we can’t” to “Maybe we could.”
Digging into the Past to Unlock the Future
Now, my absolute favorite moment is when someone says, “We tried that, and it didn’t work.” Oh, this is where the real fun begins.
Because here’s the truth: just because something didn’t work once doesn’t mean it won’t work now. Timing, tools, teams – all of that can change. So instead of accepting the dead-end, I lean in and ask:
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What do you think went wrong?
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How much time did you really give it?
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What’s changed since then?
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Have you shifted your marketing or your audience?
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If you could do it over, what would you do differently?
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What did you learn that we can use moving forward?
These questions do more than spark dialogue. They help people reframe the past as a learning opportunity, not a failure. They open the door to innovation, even when that door feels bolted shut.
Key Points
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Resistance to change isn’t just a corporate thing. It’s human.
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The right question at the right moment can shift a conversation from shutdown to possibility.
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Past failures often hold valuable lessons – and sometimes, the timing just wasn’t right.
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Staying curious instead of confrontational keeps the idea door open.
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Creativity thrives in spaces where people feel heard, not shut down.
Actionable Takeaways
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The next time someone says, “That’s not how we do things,” pause and ask why. Then listen.
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When a past idea is dismissed, ask what’s changed since then. You might uncover a new opportunity.
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Create a safe space in your team or business circles where ideas can evolve instead of being dismissed outright.
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Keep a “learning log” of past experiments. Document what worked, what didn’t, and what you’d do differently.
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Practice asking questions that invite exploration rather than defensiveness.
Being a business owner means you’re free to do things your way, but that doesn’t mean the old habits of resistance won’t sneak in. So the next time someone shoots down your idea, smile, breathe, and get curious. You might just be one good question away from your next big breakthrough.