Your boss is always shutting down your ideas. How can you get them to listen?
You have a lot of creative and innovative ideas that you want to share with your boss, but every time you do, they seem to dismiss them or ignore them. How can you get them to listen and appreciate your contributions? Here are some tips to help you improve your problem-solving skills and communicate your ideas more effectively with your boss.
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Samuel Joshua PeperExecutive Director and Securities Operations Senior Manager at Wells Fargo | Certified Lean Six Sigma Green Belt | MBA
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Prerna ChandraB2B Marketing Professional | Digital Marketing | Go-To-Market Strategy | Branding |Global Partnerships | SAAS/Fintech
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Dhaval KhambholjaTechnology Consultant at Accenture | Gold Medalist - IIM Shillong | EADA, Spain | Ex-Schneider | Ex-L&T
Before you pitch your idea, make sure you understand what your boss's goals and priorities are. How does your idea align with their vision and strategy? How does it help them achieve their objectives and solve their problems? Show them how your idea is relevant and valuable to them, and how it can make their life easier. Use data, evidence, and examples to support your case.
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Strategic communication is key. Firstly, understand your boss's reasons for rejecting ideas by actively listening. Tailor your approach to align with their priorities. Present ideas confidently, backed by research and evidence. Propose trials to demonstrate viability. Build rapport based on trust and respect. Seek feedback and iterate based on criticism, showing adaptability.
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Alignment of thoughts with the boss or with the organization is the prime important thing. Try to know goals and strategies that your boss has. It will help you understand the direction of thought 💭 that you should put in for making your ideas💡 valuable to boss.
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The problem is, you're pitching the idea as an idea. You should be pitching it as a proven concept instead, tried and tested by other departments, companies and individuals your boss admires, is in competition with, or just likes to annoy. Try to combine this approach with: 1. Using the power of suggestion: Instead of saying "I have an idea" say: “Do you think it would be beneficial if we tried X?” This can plant the seed of the idea without making it seem like a direct proposal from you. 2. Using subtle influence techniques. Phrasing your suggestions in a way that connects with your boss’s ideas or previous statements can make them more receptive. For example, “Building on what you said about improving efficiency, I was thinking…”
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To give your boss an acceptable idea. *Understand/know the need: you need to understand the company and boss's goal. *Do a proper research: analysed your findings and provide a visible result *Timely delivery: study your boss good mood and give your suggestion when required.
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Take rejection as an experience and collect feedback. Know your boss motivation and take source of inspiration to present ideas with below tips: 1. Understand the business vision and objectives 2. Ensure what plan your boss is expecting the team to follow 3. Have ideas around the boss shared vision to add value 4. Be creative to prioritise goals with the ideas you present 5. In case of disagreement, get clarity on what is expected
Timing and context are important when you want to get your boss's attention and interest. Don't interrupt them when they are busy, stressed, or distracted. Instead, find a time when they are more relaxed, open, and receptive. You can also ask them when they prefer to hear your ideas, and schedule a meeting or a conversation accordingly. Choose a place where you can have a private and productive discussion, without interruptions or distractions.
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Timing is everything. I remember that as a project lead, I made a suggestion which I knew would work from my prior experience. But it was rejected as being drastic and unncessary. I bided my time and waited until the results were in from the "favored," less "drastic" proposal. I also spoke to a clinical development colleague and got their buy-in to the proposal and both of us went over the data that showed that the "drastic" proposal had already been tried and convinced the rest of the team and management to give it a try. When the desired outcome was achieved, my clinical development colleague and I focused on celebrating the achievement of a desired endpoint.
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Ali ALZUWAYYID
F&B Management • Business Development • Hospitality Management • Operation Consultant
Choosing the right time and place to present your ideas is crucial for getting your boss to listen. Schedule a meeting when your boss is likely to be most receptive, such as when they are not overwhelmed with other tasks or during a period when they are more open to new ideas, like during strategic planning sessions or brainstorming meetings. Additionally, consider their preferred communication style and whether they prefer one-on-one discussions or group settings. Aim to create a comfortable and distraction-free environment where both you and your boss can focus on the conversation. By choosing the right time and place, you increase the likelihood that your boss will be attentive and receptive to your ideas.
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Present your ideas when your boss is most likely to be receptive, such as during a one-on-one meeting or a quiet moment in their office. Avoid bringing up ideas during stressful or busy times.
Your boss probably has a lot on their plate, so don't overwhelm them with too much information or details. Be clear and concise about what your idea is, why it matters, and how it can be implemented. Use simple and direct language, and avoid jargon or technical terms that might confuse them. Focus on the main benefits and outcomes of your idea, and highlight the key points that you want them to remember.
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Ali ALZUWAYYID
F&B Management • Business Development • Hospitality Management • Operation Consultant
When presenting your ideas to your boss, be clear and concise in your communication. Summarize your proposal in a few key points, highlighting the benefits and potential outcomes. Avoid unnecessary jargon or technical details that may confuse your boss and stick to language that is easy to understand. Present your ideas in a structured manner, starting with a brief introduction, followed by the main points, and concluding with a clear call to action or next steps. By being clear and concise, you make it easier for your boss to grasp the essence of your ideas and make an informed decision.
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Present your ideas in a clear and concise manner, focusing on the key points and benefits. Avoid overwhelming your boss with too much information.
Getting your boss to listen to your idea is not enough; you also need to listen to their feedback and respond accordingly. Be prepared for questions, objections, or criticisms, and don't take them personally. Listen carefully and respectfully to what they have to say, and try to understand their perspective and concerns. Address their issues and challenges, and show them how your idea can overcome them. If they have suggestions or alternatives, consider them and incorporate them if possible. Show them that you are open to learning and improving your idea.
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Listen to your boss's feedback and address any concerns they may have. Showing that you value their input can help build trust and make them more open to your ideas.
After you have presented your idea, don't just leave it there and hope for the best. Follow up with your boss and remind them of your idea, and ask them for their decision or opinion. If they agree to try your idea, follow through with the next steps and actions, and keep them updated on the progress and results. If they reject your idea, don't give up or get discouraged. Ask them for the reasons and learn from the feedback. You can also try to modify your idea or come up with a new one that might suit them better.
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Another way of following up is by sharing your idea wider. Getting 'buy in' from relevant stakeholders is key to making an 'idea' fly. If you genuinely believe in an idea, share it with the appropriate channels, collect interest and demonstrate how you can bring this to life yourself, with support from your direct management.
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Assuming your boss has given you the time and space to present your idea, you now have the responsibility to make it happen. Thank your boss for their time. If your idea is rejected, review it for alignment with business goals. Refine it if necessary and request another meeting if you still believe in it. If they open the door to your ideas, it's not merely about the work. It's about unlocking the potential for something extraordinary to take shape. Building trust among your colleagues hinges on consistently delivering on your promises, demonstrating reliability and commitment. Do this, and you will open the doors to more communication in the future.
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After presenting your ideas, follow up with your boss to see if they have any further questions or need more information. If they express interest, ensure you follow through on any commitments or actions discussed.
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To persuade your boss to consider your ideas, align them with company goals and present them clearly. Choose the right moment and back your pitch with data. If dismissed, seek feedback and refine your approach. Persistent, adaptable communication is key. If the environment doesn't support growth, consider other opportunities where your ideas are valued.
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Before approaching the boss: Understand your boss's perspective Do research Frame idea as a solution When presenting an idea: Choose the right time Be clear and concise Focus on the benefits Be open to feedback Present your idea visually Additional Tips: Start small: If your boss is hesitant about big changes, propose a pilot program or test run to demonstrate the value of your idea. Build allies: Get buy-in from colleagues who might support your idea and speak on its behalf to your boss. Follow Up Persistence pays off: Don't get discouraged if your idea is rejected initially. Keep refining your approach and try presenting it again later.
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Consider seeking feedback from colleagues or mentors on how to improve your communication with your boss. They may provide valuable insights or suggestions for approaching the situation.
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If your boss consistently dismisses your ideas, approach the situation strategically. I suggest initially you must understand their reasons for rejection and tailor your approach accordingly. Present well-researched ideas addressing their concerns and showcasing potential benefits for the company. Schedule a one-on-one meeting for a deeper discussion and be open to feedback. Build credibility by highlighting your track record and willingness to collaborate. Persistence, professionalism, and flexibility can help gain your boss's attention and consideration for your ideas. #ahmedalaali11
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Usually, if your ideas are ignored or thrown out it is because the boss does not have confidence in you or does not trust you. One way to gain trust or confidence is to indicate your past successes. Start the conversation this way. With a proven track record, the boss would be more inclined to consider your ideas.
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