Getting ideas across

Published: The Hindu
On: June 06, 2012
At: Hyderabad, Chennai

To read The Hindu's online version, click here.

Do you like to know the ‘why' of everything? Do you challenge the conventional wisdom that says innovation isn't vital to your company? Do you wish to introduce small doses of unconventional strategy or present ways to look at your business differently? If so, are hurdles and bureaucracy blocking new ideas from coming to fruition? If you have been nodding your head all along, consider these possibilities to navigate around the blocks and accelerate your career quickly.

Learn to sell: Make the word ‘sales' an invaluable part of your skill set. Why? To introduce a new idea or process in your organisation, you need to sell it to your colleagues and superiors.

After all, this change costs money and it isn't absolutely guaranteed to work. If you want to instantly stand out, win the top executives' trust and get things done, then you are chiefly dependent on your sales skills. 

So, be ready to sell. Ensure that you are adjusting your communication style, attitude and approach as preferred by your manager.

Strategise: Make sure your organisation is ready for the kind of expansion or change you are looking at. Be deliberate, plan and practice your pitch and make sure your timing is right.

Anticipate and prepare for the most probable objections. Build support for your ideas. You may also turn towards your colleagues who can offer constructive feedback and make sure that you are effectively addressing each issue.

Try reaching the top decision makers and get their approval. Perhaps, you can enlist the support of colleagues who are in your manager's good graces.

Or, even package your idea to make it look less innovative. Maria Paul, Data Analyst at Data Monitor says, “Don't overwhelm your manager with information. However, be prepared to elaborate further. Ensure you have done your research and are backed with facts and statistics.”

Specify outcome: Clearly and concisely articulate the benefits of using your idea. Explain how your idea can support the company's objectives.

For this, walk awhile in your manager's shoes - yes, you have heard this one before - see his or her problems, needs, goals, budget, timelines, returns on investments, and so on. Take the time to learn what is going on and understand what you are up against. Be sensitive to his or her needs.

Focus on the outcome rather than you or your idea. In your pitch, address the specific concerns confirming that your manager and organisation's issues are also priorities for you. This way, you will receive fewer objections and be commended for thinking of the big picture.

Persevere: Perseverance is important if you want your ideas to be executed. Now, optimism goes hand in glove with perseverance as well. So, get used to the idea of occasional failures and move past the unfounded fear of rejection. Everyone fails.

Accept it. Look at it as part of your learning curve. At times, we have to try, and fail, until we discover what works. Stay focused even though the temptation is high to give up. As Maria suggests, “Be positive and buy your time. Maybe the situation will change, your boss may change jobs, and you will then be able to sell your idea.”

Move on: When all else fails, it is time to pick up your bags – literally and figuratively - and look for organisations that support creativity and innovation.

Making a move might be a distressing prospect, but if staying in a toxic environment is killing you, listen to your intuition and make the leap. Maybe, even start your own entrepreneurial venture. There is no dearth of possibilities when you choose to persist. Good luck!