How many bad ideas does it take to get to a good idea?

There's no real number for that - only the empathy that it takes bad ideas to get to good ideas. I am mindful of this with my team and create relationships where colleagues feel safe to share all types of ideas without feeling self-conscious about what is good and what is bad. I explain how I lead by example at the end, but first -

Why did I mention empathy?

Empathy is important because when someone does share an idea and it is "bad", then we cannot reject it with a hostile scoff. That person could very well never offer an idea again. When someone shares an idea and it is "bad", I view it as a great thing because it shows there's a foundation of trust within the relationship.

Good ideas aren't born out of fear - they're nurtured from places of compassion.

Want to instill this value into your teams?

Then lead by example. For example, I suggested to one of my colleagues that we plan a future conference on a cruise ship because this could help with affordable child care. Is this a good idea or a bad idea? I don't know (probably a bad idea due to sea sickness) but it could open up avenues (or maritime route) in pursuit of affordable child care. Point being - because I trust them, I know this idea won't get laughed at or frowned upon, but can be something that is fleshed out to see if there is a good idea within it. And if not, that's fine - no harm, no foul.

So here's to bad ideas - may they be suggested, fleshed out, and continue to establish a relationship built on trust.