Idea voodoo is the paralyzing belief that a brilliant idea is a substitute for the methodical, and often difficult, work of execution required to make it a reality. Recently, on Unpacking the Backpack, I shared some thoughts on the topic after revisiting a blog post I wrote in 2017, which you can read HERE. Listen on Spotify or wherever you access your favorite podcasts. Below are some expanded thoughts on the topic, including additional research.
We all struggle with a tug-of-war of sorts when it comes to ideas. In many situations, we are asked to either implement or embrace the ideas of others, particularly those to whom we are accountable or so-called experts in the field. This can be problematic at times if the groundwork explaining the what, why, when, and how has not been clearly articulated. Then there are those ideas that we develop on our own. Throughout my career and even up to this point, ideas have constantly flowed through my mind. There tends to be a bias towards the ones that we come up with, a phenomenon where our own labor leads us to disproportionately value our own creations (Norton et al., 2012). This throws another wrench into the process of moving an idea into actionable change.
Being open to new ideas is extremely important in these disruptive times. If we continue to employ the same type of thinking, then the chances are that we will probably have to settle for the same old results, or worse. Great ideas are the seeds of change. Many of them don’t have the opportunity to germinate because of our fixed mindsets. For the most part, nobody likes change. This is just how our brains are wired, unfortunately, for many of us. Research has long shown that a powerful status quo bias often leads individuals to prefer current states over uncertain alternatives, even when the change offers potential benefits (Kahneman et al., 1991). I can tell you that this was the case for me early in my administrative career. It is important not to fall victim to idea voodoo.
“Idea voodoo” is the insidious belief that a powerful, innovative idea is sufficient on its own to manifest change. It’s a form of organizational superstition, treating a concept not as a starting point for hard work, but as a magical incantation that should effortlessly reshape reality. This mindset is one of the most significant yet subtle inhibitors of genuine progress, as it fundamentally misunderstands that change is not a revelation, but a process. It conveniently divorces the glamour of the "eureka!" moment from the grueling, unglamorous labor of execution. An organization captured by idea voodoo will celebrate the brainstorming session but fail to allocate the resources, create the project plans, or assign the accountability necessary to bring the vision to life.
The primary way idea voodoo inhibits change is by fostering passivity. The proponent of the idea, believing in its inherent power, presents it and then waits for it to be adopted, as if the concept itself will persuade dissenters, secure funding, and devise its own implementation strategy. When the idea inevitably falters, its champion doesn’t blame the lack of a plan; they blame the organization’s “resistance to change” or colleagues who “just don’t get it.” This creates a toxic cycle of perceived brilliance followed by disappointing inaction. Over time, this pattern breeds widespread cynicism. Employees learn to see new ideas not as exciting opportunities but as the beginning of another frustrating, dead-end initiative. They become conditioned to ignore the "next big thing," knowing it will likely vanish without a trace.
Ultimately, idea voodoo stalls momentum by treating the catalyst as the entire chemical reaction. It fixates on the noun (the idea) while ignoring the verb (the work). True, sustainable change requires a culture that values execution as much as, if not more than, ideation. It requires acknowledging that the best idea is worthless without a practical, step-by-step plan to navigate obstacles, persuade stakeholders, and integrate the new reality into existing systems. Escaping idea voodoo means trading magical thinking for methodical effort, understanding that successful change depends on a strong implementation climate where the new behavior is expected, supported, and rewarded (Klein & Knight, 2005). Change isn't summoned—it is built, brick by painstaking brick.
Kahneman, D., Knetsch, J. L., & Thaler, R. H. (1991). Anomalies: The endowment effect, loss aversion, and status quo bias. Journal of Economic Perspectives, 5(1), 193–206.
Klein, K. J., & Knight, A. P. (2005). Innovation implementation: Overcoming the challenge. Current Directions in Psychological Science, 14(5), 243–246.
Norton, M. I., Mochon, D., & Ariely, D. (2012). The IKEA effect: When labor leads to love. Journal of Consumer Psychology, 22(3), 453–460.
