Want Leadership to Implement Your Idea? Try These Three Things

If 2020 has taught me anything, it is that even the best plans can be thrown out overnight and back to the drawing board we go. Over and over again, we are forced to try new things and with many of them not working out and change-fatigue setting in, it can be increasingly difficult to bring another new idea to your superior and use some of their time to hear it. If this sounds like something that has happened to you, try these three things to increase your chances of success:

1. Survey the team

I don’t mean sending out a physical survey to the team, I just mean ask around and test your idea first. If you’re able to say that you and the group of supporters you’ve assembled all think that the change you’re bringing is better than the current system in place, it will be harder for your superior to say no. When asking people on your team if they’re on board, ask too if you can use their name when bringing the idea to your leader. The more specific you are with the support you have and the sentiment they might have towards your idea, the better.

2. Conduct a pilot test

Change doesn’t have to be sweeping to be effective. If what you’re thinking would work for the whole company, why not try something on a smaller group of people first? If the test is successful, document why it worked, how much money it could save the company, and how it made people feel. If the pilot works and the teams appreciated what was done, it makes it much easier for the senior on your team to give you the green light and move forward. Start small and grow big: learn to walk before you run.

3. Share external examples of success

Perhaps the idea you had was influenced by an article or video clip you saw from another company, or perhaps you heard from a friend or family member about something that worked at their office (or home) that you want to try. Collect as much evidence as possible and find out what the other company did and why it works for them. From there, consider what changes might need to be made for your team and make sure to suggest any changes you think need to be made before bringing it to your leader. By sharing the fact that it already works somewhere else and you’ve considered changes that need to be made for your team, you are eliminating variability and uncertainty and bringing more confidence and validation to the idea.

The past months have been difficult. Change has been constant and we’ve had to move fast. At times, leaders may not want to hear a new idea and it may be hard to get their time and attention. If we survey the team and get support, conduct a pilot project, and/or share external examples of success, your chances of having your ideas heard, understood, and even implemented should greatly increase.

Questions to ponder: