Embrace Inspiration: Shamelessly Steal from What Moves You
Just Something #11
Shamelessly steal from anything or anyone that inspires you!
Just Something More #11
I remember the first time I heard the phrase, "shamelessly steal." It was in reference to sales role plays and using other's words when they resonated with you. It stuck so much for me that now it is one of my usual phrases when I am facilitating. We don't need to reinvent things when someone has already invented it. And when someone shamelessly steals from you, what a compliment! So do all the shameless stealing as often as you can.
The Power of Borrowing Ideas
The concept of "shamelessly stealing" from others is rooted in the idea that inspiration can come from anywhere. Great ideas often build on existing ones, and there's no shame in borrowing from others when it leads to innovation and improvement. Embracing this mindset allows us to leverage the collective creativity of those around us and push boundaries in our own work.
The Benefits of Shamelessly Stealing
Accelerated Learning: By adopting successful strategies and ideas from others, we can quickly improve our skills and knowledge. This approach helps us bypass trial and error, allowing us to achieve results more efficiently.
Enhanced Creativity: Drawing inspiration from a variety of sources can spark new ideas and perspectives. Combining elements from different areas can lead to innovative solutions that we might not have discovered on our own.
Building on Success: When we see something that works well, incorporating it into our own practices can enhance our effectiveness. Whether it's a sales technique, a leadership strategy, or a creative approach, building on proven success sets us up for greater achievements.
How to Shamelessly Steal with Integrity
Give Credit: Acknowledge the sources of your inspiration. Giving credit where it’s due not only shows respect but also builds a culture of collaboration and mutual growth.
Adapt and Improve: Don’t just copy; make the idea your own by adapting it to fit your unique context and adding your own improvements. This process of refinement can lead to even better outcomes.
Share Generously: When others steal from you, see it as a compliment and an opportunity to share knowledge. Encourage this exchange of ideas to foster a supportive and innovative environment.
Real-World Examples of Shameless Stealing
Steve Jobs and Apple: Steve Jobs famously said, "Good artists copy, great artists steal." Apple’s success can be partly attributed to Jobs’ ability to take existing ideas and technologies and enhance them in groundbreaking ways.
Picasso’s Artistic Philosophy: Pablo Picasso once stated, "Art is theft." He often drew inspiration from other artists, reinterpreting and transforming their work to create something uniquely his own.
The Tech Industry: Many tech companies thrive by adopting and adapting ideas from competitors. This iterative process drives innovation and keeps the industry dynamic and competitive.
Encouraging a Culture of Shared Ideas
Collaborative Workshops: Facilitate sessions where team members share their best practices and innovative ideas. This collective brainstorming can lead to the discovery of valuable strategies that everyone can benefit from.
Open Source Projects: Encourage participation in open-source projects where sharing and improving each other’s work is the norm. This collaborative environment fosters rapid innovation and continuous improvement.
Mentorship Programs: Establish mentorship programs where experienced individuals share their knowledge and techniques with others. This not only accelerates learning but also strengthens the organizational culture.
Conclusion
Shamelessly stealing from anything or anyone that inspires you is a powerful strategy for personal and professional growth. By embracing the ideas and successes of others, we can accelerate our own progress, enhance our creativity, and build on the achievements of those who came before us. Remember, innovation often starts with a spark of inspiration from someone else’s brilliance.
In dedication to: Brittany Crosby who encourages all the shameless stealing!
