Seeing the Invisibles (2 of 5): How Atypical Thinkers Fuel Creative Success
In the first installment of our leadership series inspired by lessons from Amos, my 4-year-old nephew, we explored the importance of noticing the unseen—how quieter voices and overlooked details can offer profound insights. In this second piece, we dive deeper into the power of diverse perspectives, focusing on how fostering an inclusive environment where all voices are valued can unlock the creative success in ways they might not have imagined.
In most workplaces, leaders naturally gravitate toward those who speak the loudest or those who are more visible in meetings and projects. Charismatic individuals and assertive personalities often dominate discussions, and it’s easy to assume that their ideas carry more weight simply because they’re more vocal. However, real innovations often happens when you seek divers perspectives by intentionally including voices of those that don’t seem to fit the typical mold - more reflective, thoughtful, quieter, or even eccentric in their approach.
Just as Amos noticed the absence of American birds at the zoo, the “misfits” often bring a different perspective—one that others may overlook. This diversity of thought is crucial in solving complex problems, driving creativity, and igniting innovation. When leaders make room for these unique voices, they gain access to ideas that may otherwise go unheard but have the potential to significantly improve team outcomes.
One of the most compelling examples of the power of seeking diverse perspectives comes from Pixar, the renowned animation studio. Pixar’s leadership team recognized early on that some of their most groundbreaking ideas came not from the loudest or most obvious contributors but from those who took a quieter, more reflective approach.
During the development of their films, Pixar encourages what they call “brain trust” meetings, where directors, animators, and writers from different projects come together to provide feedback. In these sessions, they intentionally invite individuals who may be more reserved or even eccentric in their thinking. By creating a safe space where everyone’s voice is encouraged, Pixar has unlocked some of its most innovative storylines and character developments.
Pixar’s practice of intentionally creating space for different voices has been a key driver of its creative success, proving that real innovation often happens when leaders actively seek out contributions from those who might not fit the traditional mold.
Consider:
Create multiple avenues for input: Not everyone is comfortable speaking up in large meetings. Offer multiple ways for team members to contribute, such as through one-on-one conversations, written feedback, or smaller group discussions. This ensures that quieter thinkers have opportunities to share their insights.
Use meeting structures that promote balanced participation: Implement strategies like round-robin discussions or pre-submitted questions to encourage everyone to speak, regardless of personality type. This helps ensure that quieter team members have a voice without being overshadowed by louder participants.
Recognize and encourage diverse perspectives: Publicly acknowledge contributions from quieter team members to show their value and encourage further participation. Regularly ask for their insights on specific topics to highlight the importance of their unique viewpoints.
Provide time for reflection before discussions: Give team members time to reflect on discussion topics before meetings by sharing the topics in advance and encouraging them to come prepared for their thoughts and questions. Quiet members often benefit from having time to think through ideas, and this practice ensures everyone can bring well-formed thoughts to the table.
Leaders who provide different options for team members to contribute, promote balanced participation in discussions, and encourage thoughtful reflection create an environment where everyone, including quiet individuals can thrive. By valuing and amplifying diverse perspectives, leaders can unlock new ideas that drive innovation and improve team outcomes.
What’s Next: Overcoming Leadership Bias
Embracing quiet thinkers and diverse perspectives can fuel creativity and innovation. But creating space for these voices is only part of the challenge. Leaders must also guard against falling into the trap of relying on a select few—those "go-to" individuals who can dominate discussions and projects. In the next section, we’ll explore how leaders can break free from this bias and avoid the “golden child” syndrome, ensuring that all team members have the opportunity to contribute their unique strengths. Stay tuned for practical strategies to overcome leadership bias and build a more dynamic, inclusive team.
