I have an idea that I think will really improve the efficiency of my department and take some of the pressure off of our largely overworked staff.  I’m reluctant to talk to my boss because he always says how busy he is and he doesn’t seem to like new ideas unless they’re his.  He’s disregarded several good ideas from my coworkers and there’s too much at stake here to let that happen again.  How can I get him to consider my idea without having to do battle with him?

Managers are regularly approached by employees with good ideas that never make it past the suggestion box because they have not been adequately thought through before being presented.  What appears to be resistance to new ideas may actually be frustration with the employee’s lack of preparation.  Most managers don’t want “to do battle” either and will usually welcome well thought-out, adequately supported ideas.  Try this:

Do your homework.  Prepare a plan that demonstrates, as much as possible, the costs and specific benefits of your proposal as well as how it will achieve your stated goal.  Find answers to questions your manager will likely ask - How will your idea impact employees’ schedules and responsibilities?  If it’s been tried before why isn’t it being utilized now?  What are the potential impacts on customers; its risks and rewards; required resources?

Request a meeting – Briefly explain the purpose of the meeting and the time you anticipate needing.  Suggest meeting at a time most convenient for your manager and when he’s least likely to be rushed.

Plan for the meeting – Begin with a positive attitude about the meeting and your manager.    Consider your interests and his, recognizing that his needs may go beyond even those of your department.   Prepare to confidently state why your idea is good to increase your manager’s confidence in the potential success of your idea.  Provide both the pros and the cons of implementing your idea.  Never assume that your manager knows, and don’t make him guess, what you are thinking – he won’t.

Invite questions - It shows you value your manager’s input and that you have done your homework.  Remember it’s your manager’s job to shoot holes in ideas to test their worthiness so don’t get defensive; it shuts down dialogue.  Be willing to consider new information, reevaluate your plan, and make changes.

No need to do battle when you do good planning – plan to succeed!