You want to get your boss’s attention with your ideas. What’s the best way to do it?

If you want to get anyone to change, or exert your influence on them, show them what's in THEIR best interests. Don't ask as a favor, or because it's good for you (or even the organization). Show how THEY will benefit in reduced time, higher status, less stress, avoidance of unpleasant situations, more visibility, etc. That's basically the fundamental sales process. No one ever purchased my services to help me, they purchased to help themselves.

In my experience, understanding how they process information is crucial. Are visual aids and a detailed business plan necessary for presenting ideas, or can you engage in conversation and have them ask questions? Knowing their preferred communication style is essential for gaining leadership's attention.

Story: As head of sales, my team relied heavily on quality coffee for peak performance. We had a decent Nescafé Dolce Gusto but wanted filter coffee for its convenience and taste. Convincing the boss, however, was a challenge. We subtly promoted the benefits of a filter machine—its efficiency allowing for more focus, its quiet operation compared to the loud Nescafé, and the fact our rival neighbors had one, knowing our boss's competitive streak. Did this every moment he was around. We even strategically used the Nescafé machine during his meetings to highlight its loudness. Eventually, our persistent "rumors" and tactics paid off, leading him to approve the purchase of a filter coffee machine. Point: Create a need for your idea.

Be aware of your boss' schedule and time your approach when you can receive the full attention. Otherwise, you are doing yourself a disservice. Your boss won't consider your ideas as valuable when you don't consider your boss' time as valuable.

Embody confidence and a forward-thinking mindset, illustrating the value you bring to the table. Embrace calculated risks, demonstrating that you’ve planned for potential pitfalls and are prepared to manage them. It’s crucial to emphasize the efficiency and strategic alignment of your idea with company goals, ensuring you don’t waste your boss's time and that your proposal is not only innovative but grounded in tangible outcomes. Accuracy is non-negotiable; your pitch must be backed by solid research and data. Convey that you’re seeking guidance rather than offloading responsibility. This approach not only demonstrates your dedication and capability but also positions your idea as an asset to the team and company, not just a salary.

Cut to the chase - don't beat about the bush. Don't pad your submissions but be ready with the right answers if your boss needs more detail. Don't be too put out if your boss wants to take the credit for your idea - your time will come.

Be honest and upfront. Don't overly inflate your ideas as being better, but approach it from the angle of improving on existing setup with the benefit to the overall structure/company in your pitch.

Use open ended questions in your approach to initiate collaboration and engagement from the start. That way, collaboration and feedback will come in as a natural progression from your pitch, instead of having to be solicited.

Focus on the task at hand and go "the extra mile" as needed. Keep at it until you can't see any opportunity for improvement and be open to suggstions. Recognition is not a worthy personal goal.

Before presenting any bold new ideas, show that you've done your research & think of the wider implications. Role-play delivering your ideas to someone who is highly critical and negative. You'll learn where the weaknesses are in your argument and which areas you might need to build a stronger case for. Prepare for the worst reaction possible and you can only end up in the strongest position available. See things from your bosses perspective. What will be the cost of this idea to them (time as well as money) and what will be the benefit? What are the potential risks and how can these be overcome?

Do your research, cite your sources and make sure they are respected by your boss. Before you turn you ideas over to your boss have a few people with deep knowledge of the industry review for weak spots, and then fix them to make it bullet-proof.

Do your research first, and compare your ideas to established industry standards. See if your ideas were tried elsewhere, and why were they not implemented. Consider the weaknesses in your ideas, and clearly establish failsafe safeguards to be able to revert to original protocols if your ideas don't end up working as intended. Every great plan has a backup plan.

I'm just to keep this simple. Simply ask if you can share an idea. Whether that is during a group discussion or in private. You know your boss and how they like receive information. Point is...if you to ask, someone else will and they may get that promotion.