In this episode, Nick Jain, CEO of IdeaScale, discusses the value of humility, emphasizing that great ideas can originate from anyone at any level. He outlines the idea generation process, highlighting the importance of keeping it simple and inclusive. Nick touches on the role of software in decision-making, recognizing its benefits and the dangers of its misuse. Using practical examples, he explains how effectively implementing customer feedback and maintaining organizational flexibility while adhering to core values are crucial. Additionally, Nick champions inclusivity in generating ideas, advocating for a systematic approach that complements organizational objectives.  

Key Takeaways

[02:26] Nick shares that he is active on LinkedIn and has a less active Twitter account, where one can find personal photos including those of themselves, their spouse, and pets. He also shares his primary hobbies, which involve home repairs and his pursuit of becoming a semi-professional poker player. Nick explains the limited utility of card counting in the game compared to blackjack, highlighting the challenges of counting cards in modern casinos with multiple decks. 

[04:01] Nick explains that to make the most of everyone’s ideas, leaders need to let go of their ego and be open to using simple tools like paper or technology. He emphasizes that good ideas can come from anyone, not just the boss. From his own experience, Nick shares how he’s learned from feedback on his own ideas, even when they didn’t work out. He also considers whether leaders struggle because they’re afraid of losing control or because they’re too proud to admit others might have better ideas. 

[7:10] Nick explains how ideas actually get done. First, someone throws out an idea. Then, everyone chimes in to vote on which ones they like best. Next, Nick, who knows his stuff, helps pick out the winners. And when they start making those ideas happen, if something doesn’t quite click, they tweak it until it does. That’s how they make sure only the cream of the crop becomes reality.

[09:43] Nick explains that their software helps people make smart decisions about ideas by considering factors like ROI and costs. But he admits that even with good systems, bad actors can sometimes cause problems. He says it’s impossible to be perfect, but the goal is to keep mistakes low. For small groups, simple tools like idea boxes work fine, but for big organizations, high-tech solutions are needed. Nick also compares their platform to social media, where seeing others’ ideas succeed encourages more participation.

[14:29] Nick shares an example involving a major fast food chain that sought ideas from their global customer base through Ideascale to develop new menu items. They received thousands of ideas, vetted them with in-house experts, and successfully launched new menu items based on customer suggestions. When asked whether this signaled a shift in the business strategy, Nick suggests it was more about adding tactical menu items rather than fundamentally changing the business. He explains that while most customers use Ideascale for tactical problem-solving, some also employ it for strategic decision-making and business plan changes. 

[18:46] Nick reflects on the organization’s approach to absorbing feedback from customers, employees, and constituents. While they actively listen to input from all levels, he admits they’re not perfect in translating feedback into actionable change without becoming overly reactive. Nick then shifts to discussing the feedback he received when taking over as CEO, acknowledging the need to adjust his leadership style while also staying true to his vision for the organization. He shares the company’s journey of adopting a business-oriented approach to running a software business, which initially faced resistance but ultimately proved successful, leading to growth and profitability. 

[23:07] Nick highlights the importance of balancing the goals of buyers with the engagement of end-users in their software development. He stresses the necessity of inclusivity in idea generation, even if it means sifting through impractical suggestions. Nick advocates for a structured approach, defining clear goals and incorporating staging questions to filter ideas based on organizational objectives.

[25:44] Nick discusses the flexibility of their software in managing ideas within organizations, allowing different approaches from conception to execution. He personally advocates for inclusivity, encouraging participation from all members. While AI seeding of ideas hasn’t gained much traction, they’ve successfully implemented AI to improve idea communication, particularly for those who struggle with writing or language barriers.

[31:08] Nick outlines two key evolutions in our industry. Firstly, there’s a shift from just innovation to a broader engagement ecosystem, incorporating employee feedback to enhance engagement and retention. Secondly, the technology now spans the entire idea lifecycle, from conception to implementation, including whiteboarding and project management integration. Regarding AI, while I’ve delved into its algorithms, I wish I had known easier learning methods.

[32:49] Nick reflects on leadership diversity, highlighting his own mathematically oriented style compared to his predecessors. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing different leadership strengths for success. Regarding engagement, he underscores the significance of creating an environment where individuals feel empowered to share their ideas, often missed in hierarchical and bureaucratic organizations. As for the British term “maths,” Nick speculates it may stem from the idea that mathematics encompasses multiple disciplines, hence the pluralization.

[36:38] And remember, for good ideas and true innovation, you need human interaction, conflict, argument, debate. – Margaret Heffernan

---

The Leadership Podcast is sponsored by W.S. Darley & Company.  

Founded in 1908, Darley remains a family owned and operated business, providing the highest quality equipment solutions to our country’s warfighters and firefighters.  

Learn more at darley.com and darleydefense.com

Quotable Quotes

Resources Mentioned

• The Leadership Podcast | theleadershippodcast.com
• Sponsored by | www.darley.com
• Rafti Advisors. LLC | www.raftiadvisors.com
• Self-Reliant Leadership. LLC | selfreliantleadership.com
• Christiana Smith Shi LinkedIn | www.linkedin.com/in/nickjain
• Nick Jain Website | www.ideascale.com