What do you do if your boss is resistant to your ideas and support seems out of reach?

1 Understand their goals and motivations

The first step to dealing with a resistant boss is to understand their goals and motivations. What are they trying to achieve? What are their pain points and priorities? What are their expectations and preferences? By putting yourself in their shoes, you can gain insight into their perspective and align your ideas with their objectives. You can also avoid proposing solutions that may clash with their values, interests, or constraints. To understand your boss better, you can ask them open-ended questions, listen actively, and observe their behavior and communication style.

2 Communicate your ideas clearly and confidently

The second step to dealing with a resistant boss is to communicate your ideas clearly and confidently. You need to show your boss that you have done your research, considered the pros and cons, and anticipated the potential outcomes and risks of your ideas. You also need to present your ideas in a way that is concise, logical, and persuasive. You can use data, evidence, and examples to support your arguments, and address any objections or questions that your boss may have. You can also use storytelling, metaphors, or analogies to make your ideas more memorable and relatable.

3 Seek feedback and collaboration

The third step to dealing with a resistant boss is to seek feedback and collaboration. You need to show your boss that you value their input and expertise, and that you are open to learning from them. You can ask them for their opinions, suggestions, or concerns, and listen to them with respect and curiosity. You can also invite them to join you in brainstorming, testing, or implementing your ideas, and involve them in the decision-making process. By seeking feedback and collaboration, you can build trust and rapport with your boss, and demonstrate that you are not trying to undermine or challenge them, but rather to help them achieve their goals.

4 Respect their authority and boundaries

The fourth step to dealing with a resistant boss is to respect their authority and boundaries. You need to acknowledge that your boss has the final say on whether to approve or reject your ideas, and that they may have reasons or constraints that you are not aware of. You also need to respect their time and workload, and avoid bombarding them with too many ideas or requests. You can prioritize your ideas based on their urgency, relevance, and impact, and schedule a meeting or email to discuss them with your boss. You can also follow up politely and professionally, and thank them for their consideration and feedback.

5 Choose your battles wisely

The fifth step to dealing with a resistant boss is to choose your battles wisely. You need to recognize that you cannot win every argument or convince your boss to accept every idea. You also need to avoid taking their resistance personally or letting it affect your self-esteem or motivation. You can focus on the positive aspects of your relationship with your boss, and appreciate the opportunities and challenges that they offer you. You can also pick your battles based on their importance, feasibility, and timing, and know when to compromise, negotiate, or let go. By choosing your battles wisely, you can save your energy and credibility for the ideas that matter most to you and your team.

6 Seek support from others

The sixth and final step to dealing with a resistant boss is to seek support from others. You need to realize that you are not alone in your situation, and that there may be other people who can help you or empathize with you. You can seek support from your peers, mentors, or coaches, and ask them for their advice, feedback, or encouragement. You can also seek support from other stakeholders, such as your team members, customers, or partners, and ask them for their endorsement, testimonial, or collaboration. By seeking support from others, you can expand your network and influence, and increase your chances of getting your ideas approved and implemented.

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?