Good Idea Fairy

The exact origin of the term ‘Good Idea Fairy’ is unknown, but it is generally thought to be in the US military.

It is a derogatory term for leaders who come up with what is considered by the team to be crazy ideas that are seemingly plucked out of thin air. That lack of clear understanding of where the idea came from reinforces the idea that somehow, they were magically provided to the leader, hence the belief that the ideas were delivered by the Good Idea Fairy.

While this term originated in the military, it has gotten some traction in the civilian workplace.

While the imagery of this term is comical, it highlights a rift between teams and leaders. The fact that leaders will swoop in with changes without consulting their team first is an indication of an authoritarian leadership style that is generally not conducive to continuous improvement.

To get great returns on your commitment of CI resources, you have to make sure your team is engaged with the improvement process. If the feel like they are not being heard, or that they are being dictated to with no say in the new process, they will be less likely to buy in to the changes.

Now, the truth is that sometimes leaders have to give orders. But that should not be the standard way of operating. Leaders should be helping teams develop processes and training teams and setting up an infrastructure that lets teams act in a mostly self-managed way. Managers’ jobs get easier in that situation, and team members are happier.

The Good Idea Fairy concept does not only reflect poorly on managers, though.

In at least a portion of Good Idea Fairy encounters, the change is needed and valid. Leaders are generally smart and effective, contrary to the general belief of the rank and file. They do have some good ideas, and they are ultimately responsible for the team’s performance.

Sometimes, a valid change that is necessary gets pushback simply because the people doing the process are comfortable and don’t want to change. That is not a good reason, so instead, out comes the Good Idea Fairy accusations.