Your Idea Was ''Not Invented Here"   


Why is it that some people refuse even to consider the ideas of others? 
One answer is that they didn't think of the idea themselves. 

A few decades ago, during the salad days of Silicon Valley, a term 
came into being to identify this tendency to resist new ideas from outsiders. 

Definition of NIH: 

“Not Invented Here (or NIH) refers to the problem when people in 
companies continue to ignore existing solutions to problems because 
they were not created in-house. It is endemic to the computer industry. 

In many cases NIH occurs as a result of simple ignorance, as many 
companies simply never do the research to know if a solution already 
exists. But equally common are deliberate cases where the engineering 
staff rejects a solution, typically because they believe they can do better. 

Many millions of manhours and billions of dollars have been wasted 
as a result of NIH.” 

(Definition from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.) 

Ingrained Beliefs Resist New Ideas 

This NIH tendency to resist alternative ideas happens not only 
within many organizations ((businesses, schools, churches, government), 
but also within individuals. Some people become so closely identified 
with their ideas and beliefs that it's hard for them to consider alternatives 
without feeling uncomfortable. They act as if they are being attacked 
personally if you challenge their beliefs by suggesting different viewpoints. 
At the extreme end of the belief spectrum we find the “true believers” 
who would rather die than abandon their beliefs. Some revolutionaries 
and religious zealots are among these true believers. 

Certainly, few of us enjoy receiving unsolicited advice that suggests 
we are ignorant. We are somewhat more open to advice when we ask 
for it, such as from a doctor or attorney. Even then, however, we may 
resist, as demonstrated by the nearly 50% “non-compliance” rate of 
patients who don't follow their doctor's advice. 

I notice this same NIH resistance occurs in ordinary conversations. 
For example, on a recent flight from Miami to Las Vegas, I chatted with 
a fellow who was coming to the city for the first time. After 3 years of 
living here, I know quite a lot about the area, and I invited him to ask 
me any questions about shows, dining, and general sight-seeing. 
He showed no interest. Then he said he planned to go to Hawaii 
this year. Again, I suggested I knew something about the state after 
30 years of residence there. Again, he showed no interest whatsoever. 

As says the conventional wisdom that men won't stop to ask for 
directions when lost in an unfamiliar neighborhood (because they might 
appear ignorant), I suppose that this fellow also didn't want to look 
ignorant either, especially when seated near his wife and his sister-in-law. 
This guy showed me! He didn't need any help from anyone! 

I was talking with a professor friend about his department chairperson, 
and he told me that she initially rejects virtually every proposal he or his 
colleagues make. She asks for suggestions, then rejects or modifies what 
is given to her. Why? Apparently, she thinks her ideas are better than anyone 
else's. If she doesn't think of it, it's not worth much. Once again, an 
example of “not invented here,” very common in bureaucracies where 
novice administrators have a need to demonstrate their power and authority. 

You may recall the ancient zen story of the student having tea with 
the meditation master and asks for the answer how to become enlightened. 
The master begins to pour tea into the student's cup until it overflows and 
runs off the table. “What are you doing?” asked the alarmed student. The 
master replied “Your mind is already so full it does not have room for new 
ideas.” In short, he was saying that the state before any new knowing is 
being empty and “not knowing.” The master had concluded that this student 
was so full of himself that he could not consider fresh ideas. 

No Sure Way to Convince Others 

There is no sure way to get a hearing for your ideas when the other person 
is resistant. The best approach is probably to “reach and withdraw.” That is, 
to gently offer your viewpoint and then step back to see if the person is 
receptive. If not, let it be. Even the Gospels contain the suggestion: “Let 
them who have ears to hear, hear, and eyes to see, see.” Reach and withdraw. 

It seems best to be known as a mature and sensible person who may share 
ideas and advice when asked, but who does not dole out unsolicited advice or 
opinions. As a rule, it is not helpful to relationships to go around making 
suggestions and giving advice because in doing so we come across as 
“know-it-alls.” Leave that to the political pundits who are paid for 
proferring advice.