Got a Great Idea But You Boss Isn’t Listening?
In a recent corporate leadership development session, I was asked the following question.
“How do I present an idea that I think has great benefit for my organization to my leader who doesn’t typically invite my input?”
Whether you are an emerging leader trying to create influence for yourself or you’re a seasoned leader who’s had a lot of ideas pitched your way… chances are good you have — or will face this same frustrating situation.
To Create Influence & Get Your Boss to Listen
The decision-makers you want to impress (or at least listen to you) know the reason your well-meaning ideas are getting ignored. And it has less to do with your personality and more to do with your approach.
The key to creating influence when communicating your idea up the organizational chart is to “think as the decision-maker thinks.” Empathy. Understanding the decision-maker’s story and adjusting your communication to align with their point of view.
“So what is my decision-maker’s point of view and how do I start thinking like they do?”
I’m glad you — like the person in my leadership class — asked!
In our latest episode of The Man & The Millennial, I asked Phil Van Hooser to break down the questions decision-makers are going to ask when deciding which ideas get approved and whose input they listen to.
Knowing the questions that will be asked — and the right ways to answer — not only provide incredible insight into your decision-maker’s way of thinking but are the key to creating greater influence for yourself.
Listen to How To Sell Your Idea at Work now.
