Embrace Others’ Ideas to Break the Not-Invented-Here Bias

When the engineering team hit a roadblock, junior developer Mia suggested a code-review session in pairs—a well-worn method from another group. The lead architect balked: “We need a homegrown solution.” Weeks of headaches followed. Bugs slipped through, and morale suffered. Finally, Mia approached her boss, explained how simple tweaks to the pairing method could fit their workflow, and showed a quick prototype. Her boss took the idea, gave a nod of approval, and publicly credited Mia, saying, “This wouldn’t have happened without her spark.”

Suddenly, the development process flowed smoothly. Paired reviews caught errors early, and the architects spent more time designing new features instead of endlessly debugging. Not only did the team adopt a practice invented elsewhere, but they adapted it so perfectly it felt original. Everyone felt connected to the solution because they had made it their own.

This episode highlights the mental force we call the Not-Invented-Here bias: our tendency to dismiss outside ideas. By deliberately reframing external insights in our own terms and adding unique refinements, we break down this barrier. We gain efficiency, strengthen collaboration, and transform borrowed ideas into shared assets that carry personal meaning.

Start by sharing an outside idea in your own words and add a twist that solves a specific local problem. Run a quick test, gather feedback, and publicly acknowledge the originator. In doing so, you’ll unlock collective knowledge, bridge internal biases, and make the best ideas truly yours.