Do you have an idea which you think may be beneficial for your work and your company, but you are unable to persuade your boss? That is nothing unusual. Many people face this problem every day and a lot of them have the courage to persevere. They believe that their proposal is a good thing, not only for them, but also for others. They are not afraid to speak openly with their superiors and if they feel fear, they try to beat it. These people are called leaders - and it does not matter what particular position they hold in the company.
If you also want to enhance your leadership skills in communicating with your superiors, read the following abstract of an article by Karin Hurt, originally published on humancapitalleague.com. Karin Hurt is an experienced manager who has worked for nearly 20 years in senior positions in sales, customer service and HR at the global technology company Verzion. In recent years, she has been focusing on leadership development in their own company, Let's Grow Leaders, as well as writing and speaking about this issue. She published a book entitled Overcoming an Imperfect Boss.
If your boss argues that he needs more information, has different priorities, is under a lot of pressure or has his own bosses, Karin Hurt recommends the following strategic approach to persuade him.
1. Secure privacy
If you really want to persuade your boss, you need a quiet place without distractions. Confronting your supervisor in front of other employees or his colleagues is not a good idea.
2. Limit your emotions
Support your arguments with your enthusiasm, but beware of stormy outbursts of emotion. Heart-breaking stories will not persuade your boss either. You have to stay calm.
3. Prepare well
Do not negotiate without preparation. Try to collect as many numbers and stories to support your arguments as possible. Try to find out how your idea is being perceived by other people involved.
4. Say everything you want to say
You should not leave the meeting with your boss feeling that you should have said more. Say everything you prepared about why your idea is important. Start with its business impact.
5. Listen to and thank your boss
Give your full attention to your boss's view of the situation. Try to find out what is hidden behind his decision. Give yourself a little break before answering. Do not forget to thank your boss for listening to you and emphasize how much you value his feedback.
6. Do not give up
If you failed the first time, ask for another opportunity to bring him more facts. Prepare more graphs and pictures, find more stories and comparisons to what others are doing.
7. Find support
Find supporters for your idea, ideally someone from finance. You can bring these people with you to the next meeting with your boss. In general, try to convince the people around you that it makes sense to tell their boss what they think.
-Kk-