What do you do if you want to share new ideas with your boss without being too assertive?

Embrace the power of preparation to get your boss to consider your ideas seriously. Frame your ideas around your boss's goals and the organization's mission. Gather data, anticipate potential challenges, and craft a clear plan for implementation. This demonstrates your dedication and respect for your boss's time. Schedule a dedicated meeting to present your thoughts, allowing them to give your ideas the focused attention they deserve. When you present, speak with the quiet confidence of someone who believes in their vision. Highlight the benefits, connect them to key metrics, and then most importantly, invite dialogue. Listen openly to your boss's perspective and concerns. Stay gracious, adapt to feedback and keep the ideas coming.

Confidence is the key. If you are clear with your idea. Means gathering all the Information and data analytics . Be well prepared about what to discuss and how you will be explaining your idea to your boss. You really need to be very clear about the consequences, if your idea is implemented.

“Frame your ideas around your boss's goals” I stopped reading there. I disagree. New ideas should be judged by how they lift the whole team, not just meet the boss’s goals. Success is shared. A smart manager knows that embracing team-driven innovation is the real path to winning.

If it seems like your boss has already made their decision, try using a strategy I call "Agree and Test." It works like this. "[Boss], I think I understand your logic in doing "x", but have you considered the benefits of doing "y"? Your goal is to get them to "pump their brakes" so they can consider your idea or suggestion.

You're absolutely right, timing is crucial when presenting new ideas to your boss. Here's what you can do to ensure the timing is right: Pick the Right Moment: -Avoid Busy Periods: Don't pitch your idea when your boss is swamped with deadlines or right before a big meeting. Look for a time when they seem relaxed and receptive. -Consider the Company Context: Is there a recent success or a new challenge the company is facing? Frame your idea within that context to show its relevance. -After Brainstorming Sessions: If your company has brainstorming sessions, follow those up with a more detailed presentation of your well-developed idea.

Like all difficult conversations, the time and place are important factors to improve the probability of having an open discussion on new ideas. In my experience, if at all possible, select an occasion when you can meet him/her in person so that you can also use body language to communicate.

Absolutely! Just like planting a seed, timing is crucial for your ideas to flourish. Don't pitch them during crunch times or when your boss seems overwhelmed. Instead, choose a calmer period when they're receptive to new thoughts. Scheduling a dedicated meeting shows respect for their time and ensures they're fully present for your innovative ideas. This way, your brilliant concepts can get the focused attention they deserve.

Respectful and non-confrontational communication with your boss promotes openness, collaboration, and trust, avoiding potential conflicts and misunderstandings. This approach minimizes the risk of appearing pushy, leading to more productive work environments. • Use tact and diplomacy to share ideas. • Frame ideas as suggestions, not demands. • Express enthusiasm for the project and potential benefits. • Show consideration of different perspectives and openness to feedback. • Ask for boss's input for further refinement of ideas. • Present ideas collaboratively and respectfully to create a positive dialogue. • Showcase creativity and initiative.

Make sure that you showcase the benefits to you, to your boss, to the team, to the organization and to customers. Also make sure you speak about both the tangible and intangible benefits. However, make sure you also speak to the costs and/or risks associated with the new idea to make sure that you provide a well balanced view of the initiative.

Here's how to effectively present the benefits of your new idea to your boss, while maintaining a respectful and collaborative tone: -Present a clear value proposition. Explain how your idea will benefit the company in concrete terms. Will it increase revenue, improve customer satisfaction, or streamline processes? -Focus on the positive impact on the team. Show how your idea can benefit your colleagues as well. Will it make their work easier, provide new opportunities, or reduce stress? -Use "we" language instead of "I." This fosters a sense of teamwork and shared ownership of the idea. -Phrase your presentation as a suggestion/ recommendation. For example, say "I believe this idea could help us achieve X," instead of "We need to do this."

When you share your ideas, focus on the positive impact they can bring. Talk about how they can solve problems, improve processes, or achieve better results. This approach showcases your strategic thinking and demonstrates that you're invested in the company's success. By framing your ideas in terms of benefits, you make it easier for your boss to understand their value and potential to drive positive change.

Don’t be consumed by your idea and keep an open mind. I see so many people at the edge of their seat waiting for someone to finish their sentence for them to jump in and disagree. Understand the human behind the role. What are their motivators? What is it that drives their questions? Where are their worries coming from? Are there trying to mitigate the risk? Remember that understanding the human behind the role, the human you’re working with and tailoring your conversation in your answers in language and structure they prefer would exponentially increase your chances. For example: CFO's interest is peaked when the conversation is tailored around initiatives that touch the top or the bottom line.

Consider idea inception. Instead of sharing a finalized idea, ask provocative questions and rough drafts that leads your manager to your idea, however makes them think it's their own idea, which increases idea ownership and action taking to make the idea a reality.

Make sure that you capture the key concerns, the objections and the follow up activities. Ideally, based on the conversation you can make adjustments on the proposal and revert back to him/her with an updated idea that considers the key concerns and integrates the follow-up actions.

Absolutely! That's a crucial point to remember. Here's how you can effectively follow up after presenting your idea and actively listen to your boss's feedback: -Actively listen: Pay close attention to their verbal and nonverbal cues. Make eye contact, nod your head, and avoid interrupting. -Ask clarifying questions: If something is unclear, ask questions to ensure you fully understand their perspective. -Acknowledge their points: Thank them for their feedback and acknowledge any concerns they raise. -End by asking for feedback: Explicitly invite your boss to share their thoughts and concerns. Phrase it in a way that welcomes open discussion, for example, "What are your thoughts on this idea?" or "Do you see any potential challenges?"

That's excellent advice! Here's how to craft a concise and effective follow-up email after discussing your idea with your boss: Subject Line: Keep it clear and specific, such as "Following Up: Discussion on [Idea Name]" Body: Briefly thank your boss for their time and consideration. Summarize the key points discussed, including your idea and their feedback. If there are next steps or action items, mention them here. Reiterate your enthusiasm and value for their input (optional). Close with a polite and professional closing, such as "Sincerely" or "Best regards."

You have to remember that whatever is the most important thing for you it’s not necessarily at the top of the list for everyone else. Sometimes things fall through the cracks. Be graceful in your reminder. Perception matters a lot and coming across as someone that’s looking for advice and support exponentially increases your chances of success. Make sure you mention that you are flexible with your timings and you will adapt your calendar to whatever slot they will have available.

One leader followed up 20 times before her idea was finally accepted. Persistence is key. You don't need to stick to one person either. Present your ideas to people who influence your manager's thinking. Get them on board, and they will help get your idea through.

To keep the momentum going after a great conversation with your boss, send a thank-you email. Briefly summarize the main points you discussed, and express your appreciation for their time. This simple follow-up does two things: First, it reminds your boss about your interesting idea, and second, it creates a clear record of the conversation. It shows your initiative and reinforces your interest in moving the idea forward.

If your boss offers constructive criticism or decides not to implement your suggestion, take it as an opportunity to grow. Thank them for their feedback and express your eagerness to understand how you can refine your proposals in the future. You might say something like: “Thank you for taking the time to review my proposal. I appreciate your insights and understand your perspective. Could you please advise on areas where I could improve or elements to consider for future proposals?” Demonstrating that you can accept feedback with grace and professionalism not only shows maturity but also enhances your leadership qualities and reputation within the company. It’s these moments that define us as professionals and leaders.

¿Por qué no querría ser asertivo cuando voy a exponer una nueva idea al jefe? Ser asertivo se trata de respecto, fuerza, emocionalidad en control, que son parámetros correctos para exponer una idea novedosa. La innovación para algunas empresas es un valor corporativo declarado y se expresa, en aquellos que tenemos creatividad, curiosidad y amor por el aprendizaje. Con estas fortalezas, solemos descubrir oportunidades en nuestro entorno laboral, ya que suelen aparecer de repente y de forma espontánea. A veces los podemos llamar, en bajito, como las pequeñas "serendipias". Las empresas que declara innovación no solo la colocan en valores, sino en objetivos y estrategias del negocio. También se convierten en metas anuales.

Why are we worried about being too assertive when we are just sharing ideas? This seems like a strange question. Don't quiet yourself when sharing ideas, let people hear and see your passion. And if you are in a room where they don't encourage that, you're in the wrong room.

One approach could be to present your ideas as suggestions or possibilities rather than fully formed proposals. You can frame them as solutions to challenges or opportunities your team or company is facing. By doing so, you can guide the conversation in a way that allows your boss to feel like they are contributing to the brainstorming process and ultimately arriving at the idea themselves.

Whatever boss you have, there are 3 critical steps in any call for change: 1. Identify and agree on an important pain point or opportunity for better at first. He needs to be convinced that change is required 2. Offer several options or solutions to your root cause analysis. Get input from other departments senior leaders 3. Let him voice his concerns, preferences for some solutions and offer him the last call to select the best one. Change can be difficult but often the quality of your preparation combined with a thorough understanding of how your boss likes to make decisions will help you drive changes.

Should you worry about being too respectful, too clear, too calm, and too effective? Well, that's the definition of being assertive. Therefore there's no such thing as being "too assertive" when sharing your ideas. I'd argue try to be as assertive as you can. - Don't be aggressive about it. - Don't be too soft or passive about your idea otherwise it won't be taken seriously. - Be assertive when sharing your idea.