2. Shift from should to could
Let’s go back to the feeling in the meeting room when all eyes are on you and you feel like you should know what to do next (but don’t). You’re getting ready to go into panic mode.
Oh yes, I know the feeling well.
Ever since I was young, I felt the pressure to do things as they should be done. And that pressure has followed me through adulthood.
When I first started leading projects at IDEO, I often thought to myself:
“If I were smart enough, I should be able to impress the client with my answer.”
“If I were a great leader, I should know what to tell my team.”
“If I were talented enough, I should know exactly what to design next.”
Should, should, should. It’s the “shoulds” that block your way forward.
“Should” suggests that there is one way forward, which is a sure way to set yourself up for creative blackout — a high pressure situation where you must find the single, bright and shining solution. There is no one right…