Tell Me What You Think, Even If It Is Wrong
I am loving listening to Audible’s Sci-Fi Thriller Exoplanet (2026). Exoplanet is a gripping sci-fi thriller set in a not-so-distant future where humanity’s quest to explore and colonize other planets has intensified. The story follows a team of scientists and explorers as they investigate a newly discovered exoplanet that shows signs of life. However, upon arrival, they uncover secrets that challenge their understanding of existence and the universe.
As they delve deeper into the mysteries of the exoplanet, the team faces unexpected dangers, both from the alien environment and from within their own ranks. Themes of trust, survival, and the ethical implications of space exploration are explored, making for a thought-provoking and suspenseful narrative. Just why I love great fiction. It makes me ponder real leadership issues.
Notice I said “thought-provoking.” Anything with Andy Weir’s fingerprints on it is going to be thought-provoking. One of the characters, First Officer Becca Bang, said to Puter (I love that name by the way), her AI companion assistant, “Puter, no tell me what you think, even if you think it’s wrong.” This statement, if authentically practiced, is a powerful tool. As the person who loves to come up with wild ideas and have others tell me why I am wrong or make them better, I loved this. In fact, in a meeting this week with a client I said, “This is probably a stupid idea, but I’m going to throw it out there for your to laugh at and dismiss.” I presented my idea, and the CEO looked across at me and said, “That’s actually a really great idea.” An hour later that idea was the focus of our action steps. It goes to show us we need to throw everything out there.
When individuals voice their opinions, even if they are not correct, it allows for constructive discussions that can lead to valuable learning experiences. Mistakes can be dissected, and lessons learned can contribute to future successes. By inviting differing viewpoints, we can gather a wider range of ideas and insights. This diversity can lead to more innovative solutions and prevent groupthink, where everyone aligns on a single thought without questioning it.
All of this creates an environment where team members feel safe to share their thoughts and opinions without fear of judgment. This openness fosters trust and strengthens relationships within the team.
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