“I hope you don’t mind my comments. I’m conditioned to see problems.”

“I sat there all day and couldn’t say anything; I didn’t want to offend you.”

I had a Eureka moment in the shower this morning (please don’t leave that image in your mind!). In just a few seconds, I envisaged a whole new concept for the Relationship Matrix digital product we have been developing.

But, in truth, it wasn’t a split-second flash of inspiration that led to that moment of clarity. It was the five hours I spent yesterday at Eight Club London with five people from diverse backgrounds who gathered to discuss the app’s future development.

The vision didn’t spring from the meeting, but the ingredients that led to it did. An idea shared here, a question there, a challenge posed, an alternative approach suggested. We batted the ideas around for the day, and then this morning it all came together into focus.

It may never have happened though. Two of the participants have revealed to me that they felt unsure at times whether they could push back. Particularly as I have been working on this project for so long and have already tested it with key clients.

That’s partly on me. I should have set expectations from the outset that this was a safe space and that anything goes.

But I also want to encourage anyone reading this to not hold back. Your perspective may have significant value and lead to breakthroughs that would otherwise have been missed. There are ways to offer and deliver feedback; perhaps that’s for another conversation. But it does have value.

So, if you can see a different approach or want to challenge someone’s perspective, be open to sharing what you have in mind. Ask permission first, clarify what they are looking for, but at least let them know that you see things differently.

You don’t want them to miss their Eureka moment!