Which is more valuable — the idea or the execution?

This question, posted recently to a popular LinkedIn group, sparked more comments than any other thread posted to the group to date. As I ponder my own answer, I’d have to go with the execution. The main reason I land on that side of the debate is that ideas are easy, abundant and on everyone’s mind; only rare individuals or teams can successfully carry out the painstaking work of bringing those ideas first to life and then to fruition.

We’ve all had the experience of hatching what we believe is a million-dollar idea, only to see someone else has put it into action, thereby “stealing” the fame and fortune we felt we were due. “Hey, that was my idea,” we say, but really was it yours if it didn’t get legs and move? Execution is where the rubber meets the road.
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