Principle #20 – Coauthor. More minds, more better.
We love the romantic image of the lone genius: one brilliant person, one whiteboard, one lightning-bolt idea. But let’s be honest—most “solo brilliance” dies on the whiteboard.
Breakthrough solutions don’t come from one perspective; they come from multiple minds colliding and refining ideas together. It’s messier, sure, but it’s also faster, sharper, and far more effective.
Still, we hesitate to coauthor. Why? Because it feels vulnerable. What if someone challenges your idea…or—gasp—makes it better? That’s not failure; that’s progress.
The Hero’s Move
- Invite diverse perspectives: Those closest to the problem often see what you can’t.
- Create space for real input: Don’t just “ask opinions”; genuinely co-create.
- Embrace friction: A little disagreement now saves major failure later.
This isn’t about losing control; it’s about sharing the creative lift so everyone owns the outcome.
The Next Step
Next time you’re solving something big, bring in one more voice. Say: “Help me shape this.” Then actually listen.
Because in reality, the lone genius act is outdated—coauthoring is where innovation actually happens.