Everyone wants to be that person--the one who looks at the same information as everyone else, but who sees a fresh, innovative solution. However, it takes more than simply having a good idea. How you share it is as important as the suggestion itself.
Why? Because writing a new script--literally or figuratively-means that other team members will have to adapt to something new. So whether you're suggesting a (seemingly) benign change like streamlining outdated protocol, or a bigger change like adding anhour to each workday so people can leave early on Fridays, you're asking others to reimagine their workflow or schedule. Not to mention, if the process your scrapping is one someone else suggested, there's the possibility ofhurt feelings.
To gain buy-in on an innovative, new idea, follow these five steps:
41._______
Great ideas don't stand alone. In other words, you can't mention your suggestion once andexpect it to be adopted. To see a change, you'll needto champion your plan and sell its merits. In addition, you need to be willing to stand up to scrutiny and criticism and be prepared to explain your innovation in different ways for various audiences.
42.________
Sometimes it makes sense to go to your boss first. But other times, it's useful to build a coalition among your co-workers or other stakeholders. When it works, it works greatbecause you're ready for your stubbom supervisor's pushback with answers like, “Actually, I cormected with a few people in our tech department to discuss how much time these kinds of website updates would take, andthey suggested they have the bandwidth."
43._________
One of the biggest baniers to gaining buy-in occurs when the owner of anidea is viewed as
argumentative, defensive, or close-minded. Because, let's behonest: No one likes a know-it-all. So, if people disagree with you, don't be indignant. Instead, listen to their concems fully, try to understand their perspective, andinclude their concems (and possible remedies) in future discussions.
So. instead of saving.“Martha. our current slogan is confusing and should be updated," you could try, “Martha raises a great point that our current slogan has a long history for our stakeholders, but I wonder if we might able to brainstomm a tagline that could build onthat-and be clearer for new customers."
44._________
New ideas are the grandchildren of old ones. In other words, don't throw old solutions under the bus to make your improvement stand out. Remember that in light of whatever the problem the old system solved--or, maybe, has failed to solve in recent memory--it was a great idea at the time. Appreciating the older contributions as you suggest future innovations helps bolster the credibility of your idea.
45.__________
When pitching a new idea, it 's important use the language of abundance instead ofthe language of deficit. Instead of saying what is wrong, broken, or suboptimal, talk about what is right, fixable, or ideal. For example, try, “I can see lots of applications for this new approach" rather than, “This innovation is the only way.” Be optimistic but realistic, andyou will stand out.
