Ignore The HIPPOs (Highest Paid Person’s Opinions)

You’ve probably seen them roaming around the wilderness of your open office. They’re most likely to be discovered (or rather most likely to reveal themselves) inside meetings: HIPPOs, The Highest Paid Person’s Opinions! 

You can tell you’ve encountered one because discussion about whatever topic at hand ceases whenever one is spotted. Brainstorming shifts from generating new ideas to generating reasons why that opinion will work, and criticism flees like an animal of prey.

That’s precisely why you should ignore HIPPO.

The Problem with HIPPOs

We have a natural tendency to look up at the authority in the room. Whether because of their status in the hierarchy, their level on the pay scale, or some other reason, this natural tendency leads many (or most) people to take their cues from the HIPPO. 

That’s a recipe for groupthink and conformity, which is especially prevalent and damaging in meetings. After all, the primary purpose of a meeting is (or should be) to solve a problem. 

But if everyone is looking to HIPPO, then there’s really only one possible solution that will be discussed.

So, how do you ignore HIPPO?

That depends. If you ARE the highest-paid person in the room, and you’re facilitating the meeting, then it’s a little easier. 

You do that by limiting yourself to asking questions. You solicit opinions from the quietest in the room and evoke reactions from those whom you suspect will have new and different information. 

You might even encourage those people ahead of time, before the meeting, to speak up and offer their perspectives.

If you’re NOT the highest-paid person in the room, but you are the facilitator, that’s a little trickier. 

Try to schedule a one-on-one with them before the actual meeting and explain that you’ll be deliberately skipping over them at times or purposefully asking for their response last (if at all). 

Make it clear that the goal is to get the best ideas; even if they think they have the best ones, they won’t know for sure unless others get to input ideas.

That’s the point of calling the meeting in the first place: to gather the most perspectives and make the best decision.

So ignore the HIPPO and make a better decision.

The Impact of HIPPOs on Innovation

Usually, it is unintentional, but hippos can stifle growth and innovation by creating an environment where their ideas predominate the others. 

When people stay focused on validating the hippos’ perspective, they will avoid sharing their own ideas, which limits diversity and creativity.

There’s a high tendency for the team to overlook finding better ideas or strategies because the discussions become central to the HIPPOs’ solutions. There’s very little margin for unconventional or innovative solutions, too.

Tips to Minimize HIPPO Influence

The influence of HIPPOs can be minimized by deliberate facilitation techniques that ensure equal participation by all individuals.

There are different techniques you can use, like 

• Anonymous idea-sharing tools like Mirror and Google Jamboard allow team members to submit their ideas anonymously during brainstorming sessions. 
• Make it a rule that every participant gets the chance to speak before the HIPPO finally contributes. This will ensure a more balanced discussion and encourage the silent members to speak up.
• Get the HIPPO to play the devil’s advocate role and let them challenge other people’s ideas rather than lead the discussion.
• Build a culture to reduce reliance on the HIPPO’s opinions.
• Practice listening more and speaking less. Leaders must practice restraint and ask open-ended questions, seeking perspectives from everyone in the meeting. 
• The focus should not be on individual achievements but rather on collective team wins.

Wrap Up

When you ignore HIPPO, you are not disregarding their expertise or authority. You are ensuring that everyone in the room is heard and valued equally, leading to innovation and growth. 

You can mitigate the impact of the HIPPO’s opinion via inclusive practices and building a culture that values different perspectives. By shifting the focus from authority during decision-making to collaborative decisions, you can see your team’s full potential and encourage more Innovation and creativity.