How to Get Your Ideas Heard
When it Feels Like No One is Listening by www.Sedona.com You have the answer to your company’s sales problems, the solutions to developing more camaraderie among your colleagues, and the ideas to make you and your boss rich and famous. Now, if only you could get them all to listen. Having ideas, and having no one listen to them, is frustrating at best. On top of the frustration, though, not knowing how to get your ideas heard can cost you promotions at work and opportunities in life. That is, until now. Sharing ideas effectively is a skill that takes practice and persistence, but it’s a skill that you can learn and master. The following strategies are an excellent starting point to help you get your ideas heard – by your boss, your spouse, even your potential investor – and your dreams, finally, can be reached. 1. Make it Worthwhile for Them to Listen. The saying “time is money” is perhaps never more true than in a business setting. So, when preparing to take your boss’ time by sharing an idea, make sure they know what’s in it for them – How will it make them look good to their boss? How will it save the company money? Will time be saved? Then, make sure it’s in your opening line. For instance, “Bob, I’d like to talk to you about our filing system. I have an idea that could cut our expenses in half.” 2. Acknowledge Their Contribution. Perhaps your idea was solely your own, but maybe it was sparked by your boss’ comment at the morning meeting. If you make your boss feel like he or she contributed, they’ll be eager to hear your idea. Try, “I was thinking about what you said at the meeting and it gave me an idea … ” 3. Be Confident in Your Ideas. Your ideas are important. They’re worthwhile. They’re grand. But if you don’t feel it, neither will they. In other words, a great idea is only great if you believe that it is. People can pick up on your hesitation, and if you’re not sure about the idea, they certainly won’t be. So what do you do if you really don’t feel confident in your idea or your ability to present it? Give your self-esteem a boost by learning The Sedona Method. The Method is a scientifically proven tool to help you release negative emotions that may be keeping your confidence from shining through. Once you let go of these emotional blocks, the passion and vigor you have for your idea will underscore every word you use to describe it. 4. Do Your Homework First. Before even thinking about presenting an idea to someone, make sure you are well-versed on the topic. Once your idea is heard, after all, there will be questions – and you had better know how to answer them. Key information to have on hand includes: • How much will it cost?
• How long will it take?
• How many people are needed?
• What problems might arise?
• What are potential solutions to those problems? 5. Choose Your Ideas Wisely. When proposing an idea to your boss make sure that the idea is, in fact, worthwhile. This is a critical piece of the puzzle because if you “cry wolf” too many times with ideas that aren’t really relevant, your boss will be much less likely to want to entertain another one of your “crazy schemes.” So, like choosing your battles, it’s important to choose your ideas, and only present those that are really beneficial to you and your career. 6. Know Your Boss’ Communication Style. Your idea is more likely to be heard if you present it in a way your boss can appreciate and understand. If you know, for instance, that your boss gets distracted easily, be sure to keep your presentation short and to the point. If your boss has trouble remembering details, you may want to present your idea in writing. Or, if your boss never seems to have a free second, drop them a note in their office in the morning that you’d like to chat, so they can come to you when they’re ready. 7. Don’t Give Up. Maybe you have an idea that was shot down before. Yet, you know this idea is REALLY good. There’s no rule that says you can’t rearrange your thoughts, make a few adjustments and come back at ‘em in a few months with your revised plan. Sometimes, persistence is key and with a few tweaks your ugly duckling may turn into a million-dollar plan.
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