You have some great ideas for improving your business development strategy, but your boss seems to ignore or dismiss them. How can you get them to listen and appreciate your contributions? Here are some tips to help you communicate your ideas more effectively and persuade your boss to take action.
Before you pitch your ideas, do some research on your boss's preferences, goals, and challenges. What are they trying to achieve? What are their pain points? How do they like to receive information? By knowing your audience, you can tailor your message to their needs and interests, and show them how your ideas can help them solve their problems or reach their targets.
This is not an uncommon problem and I have found that there are a couple of insights that I find helpful. First and foremost, prepare for the conversation. Spend time pulling your thoughts together before sharing them with your boss. Consider the following: 1.) What are your bosses' priorities? Focus on their focus, not yours. 2.) Build a strong BUSINESS case from their perspective and 3.) Prepare to share using "the language of results." Frame your ideas in terms of outcomes and benefits and if possible, have examples that support you. Finally, CHOOSE THE RIGHT MOMENT! This is where people so often go wrong. Timing is everything so be strategic and don't set yourself up for failure by approaching them at the wrong time.
Depends where you stand at your career level (Junior/Mid/Senior BD). Good bosses expect you to lead ideas and put them into everyday actions. It's easy to pitch an idea without having a benchmark of utility that has proven to work. Standardize your own metrics and pitch this idea later if it makes sense. Concrete evidence is tough to say "No" to or ignore.
It helps to understand different personality types and why people are so different. Personality profiling can help to pitch an idea because then you know the style to focus on. There are a number of different personality tests to become familiar with your own style, but my favourite and what I believe to be the most accurate is the Colors of personality being green (analytical) orange (fun/outgoing) gold (organized) and blue (empathic) . Example as to how this can work. I happen to be orange-blue equally, but my boss is green-gold. If I present in my style it will look fun and caring which my boss won’t relate to at all. Recognizing her style to be analytical, I know that she needs facts and weighted information to be organized.
As a pharmacist, I learned early on that effective communication requires understanding your patient. Are they looking for in-depth information or just the key points? Do they prefer visual aids or written explanations? This principle applies just as much when communicating with your boss. Do they prefer concise emails or in-person updates? Are they driven by data or compelling case studies? Understanding their preferred communication style is key. For example, if they value efficiency, presenting a brief summary of your idea with key figures demonstrating its potential impact could be more effective than a lengthy presentation. Tailoring your approach like this shows respect and increases the chances of your ideas being heard.
1. Find an ally or mentor: If possible, identify a colleague or manager who shares your ideas or has influence over your boss. Enlist their support and help in advocating for your ideas. They can act as a champion for your ideas and facilitate communication between you and your boss. 2. Build rapport with your boss: Find common interests or experiences that you can bond over. Showing a genuine interest in them as a person can go a long way in establishing trust and mutual respect. Once you have that, they'll be more likely to listen to your ideas. 3. Be persistent but respectful: Don't give up after one attempt. Reiterate your ideas at appropriate times and in different contexts. However, be mindful of not becoming a becoming a nuisance.
Timing and delivery are crucial for getting your boss's attention and respect. Don't interrupt them when they are busy or stressed, or send them a long email when they are swamped with other tasks. Instead, find a suitable time and channel to present your ideas, such as a scheduled meeting, a phone call, or a concise memo. Ask them in advance if they are available and willing to hear your suggestions, and respect their answer.
To get attention of your ideas, tailor your approach to their preferences and priorities. Present concise, well-researched proposals highlighting potential benefits for the company. Seek one-on-one meetings to discuss ideas, demonstrating confidence and enthusiasm. Incorporate data and real-life examples to strengthen your arguments. Consider collaborating with colleagues to amplify support for your proposals. Be open to feedback and willing to adapt your ideas based on their input. Additionally, cultivate a positive relationship with your boss by actively listening to their concerns and showing appreciation for their guidance. Consistent effort and professionalism can gradually earn their trust and receptiveness to your ideas.
Timing is crucial – approaching your boss during a frantic period is a recipe for a brushed-off idea. I try to be mindful of their schedule and workload. If they're a morning person, maybe a quick check-in with your idea then might be optimal. Equally as important is the channel you choose. Is a formal meeting necessary, or can your idea be effectively presented in a well-structured email? A lot can be communicated in your approach, and understanding when to leverage different channels is a skill I've found important to hone.
I like the last sentence; asking if they are “willing” to hear you out. The word willing is key here because asking if they have time, or when they can is a set up for a failed response.
Consider your boss’s schedule and workload. If they’re a morning person, schedule your discussion early in the day. If they’re always busy, consider writing a well-structured email that they can read at their convenience.
Your boss is more likely to listen to your ideas if you frame them as solutions to specific issues or opportunities, rather than as abstract concepts or personal opinions. Use data, evidence, and examples to support your claims, and explain how your ideas can benefit the company, the customers, or the team. Avoid jargon, technical terms, or vague language that might confuse or bore your boss. Instead, use clear, simple, and engaging words that convey your passion and confidence.
Managers need to create a safe space for open communication, but the team also has a responsibility to contribute constructively. Imagine this: You're in a meeting and someone points out a problem with the current workflow. You have a great idea for improvement, but you blurt it out as a criticism: "This process is so inefficient! We should just..." While your idea might be valid, the delivery comes across as negative and potentially shuts down further discussion. By framing your ideas as solutions, you can become a more persuasive, influential communicator and support to your manager!
As a pharmacist, I learned that patients are more receptive to my advice when I present it in a way that directly addresses their concerns. Similarly, I believe it's essential to approach your boss with the mindset of offering solutions, not just highlighting problems. Before bringing up an idea, take the time to thoroughly analyze the situation – what's the core issue you're trying to address? How does your idea provide a tangible improvement to current processes, workflows, or patient outcomes? By framing your ideas in the language of solutions and benefits, you'll increase their appeal and demonstrate your initiative in contributing to the team's success.
The work environment should encourage people to openly and politely express their ideas and objections on any issue. He is my boss, if he could do it all I would not be in the office with him or her. My suggestion is don't make your boss look stupid by going over his head. A good manager will always ask you to channel your suggestions through your boss .. that is something new employees need to understand...you don't get anything by ridiculing your boss...it ONLY shows you are not TRUSTWORTHY and unfit to work in a corporate setting.
The work environment should encourage people to openly and politely express their ideas and objections on any issue. He is my boss, if he could do it all I would not be in the office with him or her. My suggestion is don't make your boss look stupid by going over his head. A good manager will always ask you to channel your suggestions through your boss .. that is something new employees need to understand...you don't get anything by ridiculing your boss...it ONLY shows you are not TRUSTWORTHY and unfit to work in a corporate setting.
When presenting your ideas, try to connect them to the company’s strategic goals. This shows that you’re not only innovative but also focused on the company’s success.
Your boss is not your enemy, but your partner. Don't assume that they will automatically agree or disagree with your ideas, or that they have nothing to add or learn from you. Instead, invite feedback and collaboration from them, and show that you value their input and expertise. Ask them open-ended questions, listen to their concerns or objections, and address them respectfully and constructively. Show that you are willing to adapt or improve your ideas based on their suggestions, and that you are open to learning from them.
One of the most effective ways to get someone invested in your ideas is to make them feel like they are a part of the process. Instead of simply presenting a fully-formed idea, try inviting your boss into the brainstorming stage. Share the initial seed of your idea and ask for their input. Openly solicit their perspective on potential challenges or areas for refinement, showing that you value their expertise. Collaboration not only helps improve your ideas but builds a stronger working relationship where your boss feels heard and respected, increasing the likelihood they'll support your initiative.
Agree, consider your boss as a human being and make your boss a mentor to work towards the solution on a given path. If there are strong views or bad experiences in the past don't rush, give time to understand the impediments or people who didn't want it to happen.
Remember, feedback is a two-way street. Be open to constructive criticism and willing to refine your ideas based on your boss’s input. This shows that you value their experience and perspective.
Your boss might not act on your ideas right away, or they might forget about them after a while. That's why you need to follow up and follow through with them, and remind them of the value and urgency of your proposals. Send them a summary of your conversation, thank them for their time and feedback, and ask them about the next steps. Keep them updated on your progress, and show them the results or outcomes of your ideas. Don't let your ideas fade away or get lost in the shuffle.
Choose the time and place, or engineer a time or place. Try a different approach each time you follow up. Endeavour to find some common ground between yourselves without being over subservient.
If your boss agrees to implement your idea, take the initiative to track its progress. This shows your commitment to the idea and can help ensure it’s implemented successfully.
To understand why your boss is not listening to your ideas, the first thing that you must evaluate is how are you perceived by your boss and what is your equation with him/ her. If the equation is not good and your appraisal ratings are also on the lower side, then clearly the problem is far more serious than just rejection of your ideas. If on the other hand the equation is fine, it could be that ideas are not good enough to be considered. It can also be that you are thought of more as a doer than a thinker and therefore there is a perception problem.
If nothing else works out then consider switching over to some other organisation where your efforts are valued. Staying in a toxic environment is not worth the time in the present scenario.
put these great ideas to work or into practice elsewhere - this way you will make sure that these ideas are feasible and have the merit that you think they deserve
Sometimes it's just best to consider the 'off switch'. For whatever reasons one might not be able to grow and florish in a job. Personalities, office politics, economics, the list could be endless. One needs to take a hard look and see if some self sacrifice may be in order if one doesn't fit in. Move on if needed. Don't burn bridges, do it with respect to your current employer. That will go a long way in finding the right fit somewhere else.
Before placing the idea to ur boss, please reevaluate, examine options open , whether the idea is capable of withstanding swot analysis and then place it with all logics examined by you. Allow reasonable time to boss to verify the idea shared. I believe no idea is insignificant. Only time and maturity either side is relevant.