If you want to kill any idea in the world, get a committee working on it.

If you want to kill any idea in the world, get a committee working on it.
Photo by Li Zhang / Unsplash

This quote suggests that involving a committee or a team in the execution or development of an idea often leads to complications, delays, and divergences from the original concept. The influx of varied opinions, bureaucratic processes, and the need for consensus might dilute or even extinguish the vitality of the initial idea.

To avoid this in educational or professional settings, a few strategies can be employed:

  1. Clearly Defined Goals and Responsibilities: Ensure that the objectives are well-defined within the team or committee, with clear delineation of individual responsibilities to avoid ambiguity.
  2. Effective Communication: Foster open and transparent communication, encouraging team members to express opinions and ideas openly while ensuring discussions remain focused and purposeful.
  3. Set Time Limits: Establish specific time frames for discussions and decision-making to prevent the team from getting lost in endless deliberations.
  4. Maintain Flexibility: Allow room for flexibility within the team to adjust and modify plans as needed to accommodate new ideas or unforeseen circumstances.

By implementing these strategies, it's possible to navigate teamwork or committee work more effectively in educational settings, avoiding excessive complexity and decision-making delays that might stifle innovation and idea development.