What do you do if your bioengineering colleagues undermine your ideas?

1 Assess Intent

When you perceive that your ideas are being undermined, take a moment to assess the intent behind your colleagues' actions. It's important to distinguish between constructive criticism aimed at refining an idea and outright dismissal or undermining. If the intent seems to be the latter, consider the possibility that there may be misunderstandings or miscommunications at play. Approach your colleagues with an open mind, seeking clarification and expressing your concerns calmly. This can help to clear up any issues and set the stage for a more positive interaction.

2 Open Dialogue

Initiating an open dialogue is key in addressing the issue. Approach your colleagues with respect and a willingness to understand their perspective. Share your observations about how you feel your ideas are being received and ask for their input. This conversation should be a two-way street, where you listen as much as you talk. Through this process, you can gain insight into their reasoning and work together to find common ground or improve upon your initial proposal.

3 Reinforce Value

It's important to reinforce the value of your ideas by presenting them with confidence and backing them up with data or research when possible. Explain how your idea aligns with the goals of the project or the organization's mission. If you've conducted experiments or simulations, share your findings to demonstrate the viability of your proposal. By articulating the benefits and potential impact of your idea, you may be able to sway opinions and garner the support you need.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?