Maya on Interaction

People often suggest. More crucial to an initiative than the content of the suggestion, is the spirit in which it’s raised. A suggestion could, for instance, mean:

1. I think this is a good idea and I’m resolved to take measures to realise it
2. I think it’s a good idea and I’d like someone else to work to realise it
3. I don’t even think it’s a good idea - I just wanted to say something

1 is the most promising because it builds momentum into the suggestion. 2 usually builds a problem into the suggestion and leads to much ado about mandate, organisational structure, and alignment of the planets. By the time this discussion subsides, so has most of the original allure of the suggestion. 3 is not necessarily grounds to dismiss the suggestion. It’s admissible under something like “there are no stupid questions, only stupid answers” clause. A moderator who can draw initiative out of a mediocre suggestion is a gem.