I’ve worked in groups where we were brainstorming, and my idea was plowed over and not even given a thought, while different ideas were run with. I dealt with it by going with the flow, but making sure we didn’t end up with a failed assignment.

One time comes to mind. I was doing a fun exercise in teamwork. The group ran with an idea and I hung back and just watched. There were already a dozen or more people yelling.

Part of the assignment was to come up with a motto. I gave them my idea, which I must say was great IMHO . They ignored me and others made suggestions that I didn’t think were good at all. Honestly, what I came up with was very clever and I knew it, but they all heard me say it once, twice… and they just ignored me.

The time we were given was running out to the final seconds. I forcefully demanded they write down what I said and use it. They did. Shock and awe? Then when they were trying to implement their plan, I subtly directed it and it worked great. Without my direction, no one knew what to do when it was time to perform their plan.

When we were judged, we won the challenge against the other teams who all were very disorganized. My slogan was greatly appreciated by the judge. She asked who came up with it. I kept silent, so did all the others.

She looked us over and gave me a look that communicated she knew it was me because she knew me and had worked with me on another performance. The team was all happy we won. None of them said a word of acknowledgment to me. I was fine with that, didn’t expect better from those people, and I enjoyed that day.

So, that’s my take on how people are.

I’m sure your input was very valuable, and it was their loss for not listening.