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

2 Choose your battles

Not every idea or suggestion you have is worth fighting for or pushing for. Some may be too risky, costly, or impractical to implement. Some may be irrelevant, redundant, or outdated. Some may be too complex, vague, or ambitious to explain. Some may be better suited for a different project, product, or process. You need to choose your battles wisely and focus on the ones that are most relevant, valuable, and feasible for your current situation and goals. You also need to prioritize your ideas and suggestions based on their urgency, impact, and alignment with your boss's expectations and preferences.

3 Communicate clearly and respectfully

Once you have identified and prioritized your ideas and suggestions, you need to communicate them clearly and respectfully to your boss. You need to use the appropriate channels, formats, and times to present your ideas and suggestions. You need to use simple, concise, and precise language to explain your ideas and suggestions. You need to use data, examples, and testimonials to back up your ideas and suggestions. You need to use positive, constructive, and collaborative tone to convey your ideas and suggestions. You need to avoid making assumptions, accusations, or demands that may offend or alienate your boss.

4 Listen and learn

Communication is a two-way street. You also need to listen and learn from your boss's feedback, questions, and concerns. You need to be open-minded, flexible, and adaptable to your boss's input and suggestions. You need to be willing to compromise, negotiate, or revise your ideas and suggestions based on your boss's feedback. You need to be respectful, appreciative, and supportive of your boss's decisions and actions. You need to be curious, humble, and eager to learn from your boss's experience and expertise.

5 Follow up and follow through

Communication does not end with presenting your ideas and suggestions. You also need to follow up and follow through with your boss. You need to check in with your boss regularly and update them on the progress, results, and challenges of implementing your ideas and suggestions. You need to ask for guidance, assistance, and resources from your boss when needed. You need to acknowledge, celebrate, and share the successes and lessons of your ideas and suggestions with your boss. You need to show your boss that you are reliable, responsible, and accountable for your ideas and suggestions.

6 Seek alternatives and opportunities

If despite your best efforts, your boss is still unresponsive to your ideas and suggestions, you may need to seek alternatives and opportunities. You may need to find other ways to express, apply, or develop your ideas and suggestions, such as through personal projects, online platforms, or professional networks. You may need to find other sources of feedback, recognition, or support, such as from your peers, mentors, or clients. You may need to find other opportunities to grow, learn, or advance, such as through training, courses, or certifications. You may need to find another boss, team, or organization that values, respects, and appreciates your ideas and suggestions.

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?