Yeah, I'm still embarrassed about it. Fortunately, we were all so excited about how well his crazy idea worked that he never held it against me. I was careful not to accept any credit whatsoever for how it all turned out, though.

> I was careful not to accept any credit whatsoever for how it all turned out, though.

While it’s easy to fall into that trap. 90% of people wouldn’t have given them the week in the first place. I think you deserve some credit for realizing that you ‘might’ be wrong.

I'm not the OP but I have had similar experiences along the way.

My approach to it happening has always been two-fold; Firstly when talking about it I would tell the story - I hated the idea, wouldn't work etc - but the other guy was better than me and made it work. I lean into the mistake, make sure others know it happened.

That leads to part 2 - everyone and most of all myself need to know I am not omniscient. Someone needs to tell me I also have bad ideas. Sometimes other people have good ideas I don't like.

Most of all I encourage people to have and share lots and lots of ideas. 90% are bad (mine included) but if we can isolate the good 10% we'll do OK.