What do you do if your boss is resistant to your ideas and suggestions?

You must understand the importance of persuasion by building a strong case for your ideas. Use effective communication strategies to nurture positive relationships with your boss.

The chances are that your boss will have access to a bigger picture than you do and they may not be able to share all of that with you. Having a solid relationship based on trust will make it easier to access there's logic behind the decision rather than anything personal.

Think about how your suggestion will make your boss and the whole team look good. Avoid "I" and use "we" as you present your plan.

When facing resistance from your boss towards your ideas, employ a strategic approach. Begin by understanding their perspective and concerns. Present your ideas with well-researched data and a clear demonstration of benefits. Seek a one-on-one discussion to address any reservations and propose potential solutions to their concerns. Foster open communication by actively listening to their feedback. Be flexible and willing to adapt your suggestions based on constructive input. If the resistance persists, explore alternative channels to present your ideas, such as team discussions or project presentations. Building trust and demonstrating the value of your proposals over time can help overcome resistance.

Approach your resistant boss diplomatically: clearly outline the benefits and rationale for your ideas with evidence such as data or examples to back them up; ask for feedback and address any objections; tailor your communication style according to his preferences by emphasizing how they fit with organizational goals; propose small-scale pilot testing as needed to demonstrate potential success, while cultivating an approachable, positive relationship in order to gain trust and influence over time.

Sometimes, it's not what you ask or say, it's how. This is key when it comes to getting supervisors on board for your ideas. Sometimes, it's as simple as making sure they can devote the time and energy needed to understand your idea. Asking ten minutes before closing probably won't do the trick. Sometimes, it'll be about building the reputation beforehand. Be someone known for results and strong advisory. Document the successes of your campaigns and work so that the next time you have an ask, your team knows you will produce results that positively impact your organization.

Share it in the style and parameters that matter to the boss, to the executive. How does this idea affect their executive goals and budget? You may not know specifics at that level, but a boss will listen better if you "speak their language." Put yourself in their shoes to see the parameters by which they would make a decision. Hint: it's not it makes your life easier - it's how their life would be made easier.

Timing and presentation can significantly influence how your ideas are received. By choosing the right time and format, you can increase the likelihood of your ideas being considered and implemented by your boss. Here are two examples of how to choose the right time and format: Strategic Timing: Choose a time when your boss is receptive, like after a successful project or during a calm period. Avoid approaching them when they are stressed or busy, as it may lead to an unproductive conversation. Effective Format: Present your ideas in a clear, concise, and organized manner. Use visual aids or data to support your points and make it easier for your boss to understand the benefits of your suggestions.

If the boss is resistant, it’s either because your idea objectively stinks, or you didn’t present it well, or you presented it at an inopportune time. Make sure your idea excites your peers, re-develop your pitch as a compelling story, and do it at a time when you sense there aren’t twelve other things on their mind. If that fails, try to get some compromising pictures of them in flagrante delicto in the office or a short stay motel and send it to them via text.

Asking great questions can be a good technique to encourage your boss to input to an idea, and in doing so they are likely to feel a sense of ownership as well. These questions need to be authentic - driven by a real desire to listen and learn. Doing this can also help you to connect more effectively, develop trust and improve business outcomes.

When communicating with your boss, maintaining a positive and respectful tone can significantly influence how your ideas are received. Using positive and respectful language can create a constructive dialogue with the boss and increase the likelihood of your idea's acceptance. Here are two examples of using positive and respectful language: Express Confidence: Use phrases like "I believe," "I am confident that," or "I am convinced that" to demonstrate your belief in your ideas without being confrontational. Acknowledge Different Perspectives: Start sentences with phrases like "I understand," "I appreciate," or "I see your point" to show that you respect and acknowledge your boss's perspective.

The language will have a lot more impact if it's backed with some solid data and tangible actions, rather than too much theory. Most bosses (at any level) are short on time - being able to quickly show them how it will advance something they need in a practical way can be a good hook.

When your boss disagrees with your ideas, it's crucial to stay composed and open-minded. First, ensure you understand their perspective fully by actively listening and asking clarifying questions. Respectfully explain your reasoning behind your ideas, focusing on the potential benefits and addressing any concerns your boss may have. Be prepared to compromise and adapt your ideas based on their feedback. If necessary, seek input from colleagues or conduct further research to strengthen your argument. Remember, constructive dialogue is key in finding common ground and reaching a solution that benefits the team and the organization as a whole.

Actively listening and constructively responding can foster dialogue and increase the chances of finding common ground on suggestions. Here are two strategies: Active Listening: Listen carefully to your boss's concerns and objections without interrupting. Acknowledge their perspective by summarizing their points and asking clarifying questions. It shows respect for their viewpoint and can help you understand their reservations better. Constructive Response: Respond to your boss's objections calmly and professionally. Avoid becoming defensive or confrontational. Instead, propose potential solutions or compromises to address their concerns while still advancing your ideas. It demonstrates flexibility and a willingness to work collaboratively.

I always bring numbers and facts on the table. I justify my proposals with good research behind. Numbers are always a good hook.

Most bosses want their teams to succeed - they will be happy to share feedback that helps you (and, therefore, them) achieve good results for the team. So, even if you don't agree with some feedback, don't react instantly - take some time to think and if necessary just note and follow up in a second step when you've had time to think it through and do some homework.

It's important to follow up and follow through to show your commitment and dedication. Following up with additional information and requesting feedback can demonstrate commitment towards ideas and willingness to work with the boss to address any concerns or objections. Here are two strategies: Provide Additional Information: After the initial discussion, take the time to gather more data or examples that support your ideas. Presenting solid evidence can help your boss see the potential value of your suggestions and increase receptiveness. Request Feedback: Request feedback on how you can improve your ideas or suggestions. It demonstrates your openness to constructive criticism and your willingness to work collaboratively to find solutions.

I agree that communication is a bidirectional process, it's important to listen in order to understand, sometimes it's uncomfortable to hear some things that take us out of our comfort zone, but trying to be empathetic with our boss will help to improve communication, feedback will always add up, I think the best thing we can do when trying to communicate something is to start with an invitation to be open to new ideas and make it clear that this contribution is with the desire to improve, I think with that we can make peace with resistance.

It's crucial to seek feedback and adapt. It demonstrate your willingness to learn and improve. It can enhance your professional development and increase your effectiveness in communicating with your boss. Here are two strategies: Seek Feedback and Constructive Criticism: Ask your boss for specific feedback on why they might be resistant to your ideas. It can provide valuable insights into areas for improvement and help you refine your suggestions in the future. Reflect and Adapt: Take the time to reflect on past interactions and consider how you can adapt your communication style or approach to better align with your boss's preferences. Flexibility and adaptability can help you communicate more effectively.

If your boss is not receptive to your idea’s & suggestions, and you’ve considered their reasons “why”, then you may be “pitching up the wrong tree”. It’s been my experience (as a change junkie and positive disruptor) that not every workplace or “boss” wants your ideas or suggestions. Status quo is a comfortable place for many “bosses” who themselves are likely not known for creativity, transformation or modernization. They’re likely more comfortable in the “work harder/faster, not smarter realm). The most important advice I’d give is to find someone who is open to hearing (and saying yes to) your ideas/suggestions. It may not be another boss at your office - try an employee network or committee, a community or sector group, etc

Focus on building trust and credibility by providing tangible evidence and results. Present your ideas in a clear and concise manner, demonstrating their potential benefits and aligning them with the company's goals. Acknowledge your boss's concerns and address them proactively, showing that you value their perspective and input. Offer to pilot your ideas on a small scale or provide a risk-mitigation plan to alleviate any apprehensions. Also, seek opportunities to showcase successful implementation of similar strategies in the past to bolster your case. By approaching the situation with professionalism, adaptability, and a solutions-oriented mindset, you can gradually win over your boss and drive positive change within the organization.

Here's what else to consider: propose an idea that you can test-bed, meaning, it does not have to be a final, long term change/solution. Sometimes bosses are risk adverse. If it works out well for the business after the agreed deadline, then who can say "No"?

Focus on the why factor. Be frugal. Yes its not a sales call, but prepare for possible objections. Be open to changes when you present an idea. Idea after all is a plan that would have and not final. When you are open to constructive criticism, your idea would be better refined improving the outcome. Back up your idea with reasons and logic. Before discussion, prepare to see if the change you are looking to bring in impacts positively and focuses on a larger audience.