Operating Principle

2–4 min read

The Best Ideas Often Look Bad at First

The Best Ideas Often Look Bad at First

The Best Ideas Often Look Bad at First

The most available valuable ideas often look unpromising at first.

The most available valuable ideas often look unpromising at first.

The most available valuable ideas often look unpromising at first.

Obvious ideas attract immediate competition, while non-obvious ideas remain available.

Obvious ideas attract immediate competition, while non-obvious ideas remain available.

Obvious ideas attract immediate competition, while non-obvious ideas remain available.

Obvious ideas attract immediate competition, while non-obvious ideas remain available.

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Operating Question

What assumption, incentive, capability, or handoff is determining whether this innovation can progress?

What assumption, incentive, capability, or handoff is determining whether this innovation can progress?

What assumption, incentive, capability, or handoff is determining whether this innovation can progress?

Why It Matters

Obvious ideas attract immediate competition, while non-obvious ideas remain available.

Supporting Evidence

Paul Graham on startup idea evaluation.

Research Notes

Match the innovation approach to uncertainty, capital intensity, and the stage of commercialization.

Practical Actions

Evaluate unattractive ideas; distinguish flaw from unfamiliarity; question obvious appeal.

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