Good ideas are not always received well. This can be due to fear of change, misunderstanding the concept, or a complicated decision-making process. Here’s five ways to increase the chance of your idea getting approved at work.
1. Would It Be A Terrible Idea To…
Kicking off with this phrase makes it easier to sign-off on an idea, as most ideas are not resolutely abysmal. Research by the Scientific Reports journal found that giving people the framework to say ‘no’ leads them to feel freer to ultimately say ‘yes.’ Decision-makers can feel wary about the implications about agreeing to something new. It’s easier to gain buy-in when you are asking for someone’s feedback. In Adam Grant’s book, Originals, he suggests putting your worst foot forward – bringing up potential flaws of an idea to demonstrate the extent of your holistic analysis. This method constructs your idea in a way that seeks opinions while demonstrating your openness to go in a different direction.
2. I’d Like To Build Upon Your Concept With…
This expression produces a sense of collaboration and unity. Aligning your idea with another colleague’s priorities yields a higher chance of success. Establishing that you think highly of another person’s idea also increases the probability of being listened to in return. A Psychological Science study of over 3,000 adults found that participants felt that they were listened to better when they agreed with an individual than when they disagreed. Collaborating with coworkers to enhance existing ideas is a core part of a productive work environment.
3. I Have An Idea That Would Save Us Time And Money In The Long Run…
Time and money are critical resources of a business. Starting off your pitch with this sentence will pique the interest of leaders. Demonstrating the ‘why’ of any idea is vital. It is okay your underlying reason for an idea differs from the goals of stakeholders. An idea can accomplish many objectives and create alignment. Quantifying the potential impact of your concept not only makes it tangible, but it also provides a future benchmark to demonstrate results achieved. Relaying anticipated outcomes in measures that resonate strongly with patrons will yield a higher chance of idea adoption.
4. I’ve Seen This Been Successfully Implemented Before…
Companies always want to know what their competitors are doing and how to copy their achievements. Mentioning that you have observed a prior successful implementation strengthens the credibility of your idea. Knowing that a concept has a proven track record reduces the overall risks of an endeavor. This phrase also establishes your expertise by emphasizing that you are uniquely equipped to implement an idea because of your past experience.
5. To Avoid (Something Negative), I Propose We…
Avoiding a negative outcome can sway decision-makers to take an affirmative stance on an idea. Risk-averse professionals will respond well to suggestions that eradicate undesirable results. This also highlights your big-picture thinking skills and how you value the entire organization. Showcasing your ability to plan ahead and mitigate potential negative consequences will boost trust in the concept.
Not every great idea will be met with resounding applause. Use these phrases to communicate your idea in a way that resonates with stakeholders. Being resilient, flexible, and strategic will increase the chances of your pitch being a success.