It’s said that 2 Horses can pull about 9,000lbs together. How much do you think 4 Horses can pull? You would assume 4 Horses can pull 18,000lbs. However, 4 Horses can pull over 30,000lbs together. Teamwork doesn’t double your effort; it multiplies your effort. There is a compound effect that occurs when creative collaboration takes place. If you truly want to multiply your impact, you must work well with others. Going solo limits your potential. You have to work 10x as hard to produce when you work alone.

The key to solving problems is ensuring you surround yourself with the right people. So let me share this formula when brainstorming with the right people…

Wrong Idea + Wrong Person = Disaster

If you have a wrong idea that is no good and you share it with the wrong person, it may actually end up happening. And the result is an unsuccessful endeavor that was a waste of time. Make sure you share brainstorming time with the right kind of people who are the right fit for the solution. Seeking counsel from the wrong people gives you the wrong ideas. If the person is unqualified or uninterested in the process, don’t allow them to speak into the solution. Not everyone should be asked their opinion about specific matters.  

Right Idea + Wrong Person = Death

A great idea shared with the wrong person can knock the wind out of your sails. Skeptical, non-dreaming, realist, unmotivated, no life, fearful, problem finding, negative, purposeless people will bring death to great ideas. These people fight against every idea, always picking out the bad. They kill ideas before they even have a chance to live. They’re the kind of people who have a problem for every solution. Stay clear of people who habitually kill ideas by always pointing out the problems.  

Wrong Idea + Right Person = Practicality

Sharing a wrong idea with the right person is wonderful. They can speak truth and practicality to the situation. You may have ideas that are just not very good. Having the right person who can help decipher the quality of an idea is a great thing that will enable progress. They will entertain the idea but also help you work through better ideas. They will seek to build on your ideas, not just tear them down. They tend to help you think through your wrong idea by asking great questions that get you to the right idea. 

Right Idea + Right Person = Possibilities

This is where the magic happens…when you have the right idea with the right person. This is where synergy and collaboration collide. This is where dreams are nurtured and built upon. Success lives in this equation. Always seek the right people with a track record of the right ideas to move quickly. Chemistry is necessary for collaboration. Seek out those you can work with and spend time with. Be proactive about meeting consistently with the right person so you can come up with the right ideas together.

Don’t be afraid to lean on others and invite them into problem-solving conversations. Never solve problems alone. Always bring your inner-circle close to the issues so you can rely on their input and perspective.

Make sure you are surrounded by the right people who think big and think for solutions.