Have you ever come up with a great idea at work only to find it fall on deaf ears? Perhaps you were able to discuss it with your manager, supervisor, or another higher-up in the company, but you had a hard time convincing them to pursue it.
Well, you’re not alone.
According to many business experts, a disconnect often exists between how employees see their idea and how their managers or supervisors view it. The bottom line is that managers don’t usually take employee ideas very seriously and are quick to dismiss them. To avoid this, you’ll want to think strategically about how and when to share your idea.
Here are seven tips for success and having your ideas taken more seriously:
1. FIGURE OUT WHICH IDEAS WILL MAKE A SIGNIFICANT DIFFERENCE.
Pay attention to the things that your co-workers complain about, which will help increase your influence on the job site.
Many career advisers suggest paying attention to workplace problems and identifying the mission-critical issues that may derail a project or hurt the company. The better you can prove yourself as someone who can solve these problems, the likelihood of others recognizing your potential improves.
The more clearly you can understand what it is that matters to the people who matter the most, the better chance you’ll have of making a significant impact and being taken seriously.
2. IDENTIFY STAKEHOLDERS, DETERMINE THEIR WANTS, AND PITCH YOUR IDEAS IN THEIR LANGUAGE.
You’ll need to share your ideas with the co-workers who are best equipped to help execute them. Often, that’s your direct supervisor. However, if your supervisor isn’t receptive, find other co-worked in positions of power, like your boss’s boss or co-workers in another department who have influence, and go to them for advice.
Don’t forget to complete your homework and be prepared to answer any questions they might have about your idea.
No matter who you pitch your idea to, consider the person’s priorities and determine the information or keywords that are most interesting to them. If they don’t buy into your idea, the conversation won’t continue, and the chance of your idea being implemented will diminish significantly.
Building this buy-in requires positioning your idea so people can see its value to the company for themselves.
3. GET INTO YOUR MANAGER’S HEAD.
Ask yourself, is this person playing not to lose, or are they playing to win?
Experts suggest that you pitch your idea as either a good opportunity or a persistent problem. The choice will depend on your manager’s personality. Choose wisely if you want them to support it.
Some managers “play to win,” while others “play not to lose.” Once you determine where your supervisor falls, frame your idea around that personality type.
If they play to win, tell them how your big idea can increase the bottom line, boost productivity, and help make their job easier. If they play not to lose, convince them that your idea is a sure bet.
4. CONSIDER TIMING AND WORKPLACE POLITICS.
Timing is essential when it comes to pitching your idea. You don’t want to approach your manager when they’re preoccupied with a major project or a personal issue.
It’s also essential to consider workplace politics. For example, some managers may prefer to hear ideas from employees they trust, so building relationships with decision-makers is an important step in this process.
5. BE CLEAR AND CONCISE.
When presenting your idea, it’s essential to be clear and concise. Focus on the most critical points and provide supporting evidence.
You want to make sure that your manager understands the problem you’re trying to solve and the value your idea can bring to the company. It’s also essential to be open to feedback and be willing to make changes if necessary.
6. FOLLOW UP.
Don’t give up if your manager doesn’t immediately jump on board with your idea. Instead, follow up with them and ask for feedback. Find out what their concerns are and address them.
You may need to adjust your idea, but don’t be discouraged. Remember that sometimes it takes time for ideas to gain traction.
7. KEEP A POSITIVE ATTITUDE.
Finally, it’s essential to keep a positive attitude. If your idea doesn’t get implemented, don’t take it personally. Instead, use the experience as a learning opportunity and continue developing new ideas.
Persistence pays off, so don’t give up.
GETTING YOUR IDEAS RECOGNIZED
Getting your manager or supervisor to take your ideas seriously can be challenging, but these proven strategies can increase your chances of success. By using these tips, you can increase your chances of having your ideas taken more seriously and making a meaningful impact in your workplace.