Great Idea, You’re Hired

Exhibition planning and design is a team sport. 

Yes, it does take experienced team leaders to finish projects on time, on budget, to rave reviews.

But that doesn’t mean great ideas are exclusively the domain of a leader, or even the senior members of a team.

Nor are great ideas only generated by people who have “creative” jobs.

I have a one-liner I use all the time when I’m talking with our clients and partners. Whenever anybody who doesn’t work for me has a great idea, I acknowledge it right away by saying, “Great idea, you’re hired.“

That line always gets a laugh. I’m not totally sure why. But I keep using it.

(It also gets a laugh when I say it to people who actually do work for me, but I‘m guessing it’s for different reasons.)

I am on the edge of my seat in every meeting, waiting to see if a great idea shows up on the radar. When it does, I am quick to pounce. 

Here’s the thing:

Exhibition making is a team sport, and great ideas can come from anybody. 

Be ready to recognize the next one.

Warmly,
Jonathan

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MtM Word of the Day:
Velcro. Brand name for hook-and-loop fastener tape used frequently in museum exhibition projects. Velcro allows for elements like small text panels, wiring, or lightweight technical equipment to be securely attached, yet easily removed, without tools.

NEW! The MtM Glossary of Museum Exhibitions (BETA)