Get Your Coworkers to Embrace Your Great Idea and Make a Bigger Impact
“I went to my boss with a great idea, and she said, “Go see what your coworkers think.” They’re already so busy and overwhelmed, I’m finding it hard to get their attention. What should I do?” How do I convince my coworkers I have a great idea? #AskingforaFriend
Why It’s Important So Important to Get Your Coworkers on Board with Your Great Idea
Your great idea could make work (and life) better for everyone and could have a real impact on the results of the organization. And, your boss is far more likely to embrace your new idea when everyone else is talking about the benefits too. With more people in support, your idea will be easier to implement.
Quite notably, participants in our strategic leadership and team innovation programs said that when they shared their great ideas and spoke up courageously at work they felt “excited,” “proud,” and “accomplished.”
If you’re ready to help your organization bust through the notion of “that’s the way we’ve always done it” and share your ideas so you can innovate for progress and results, start here.
5 Ways to Get Your Coworkers to Embrace Your Great Idea
1. Be a great listener yourself (reciprocate)
If you want people to listen to your ideas, make it a habit to listen to theirs. If you have a reputation for caring about your peers and supporting their efforts, they’re more likely to take you and your idea seriously.
2. Know what matters most to them, and communicate your idea in that context
As you listen, you may find real barriers or needs you can address as you develop your great idea.
3. Talk them through the “how” of your idea
Show them that you’ve thought through the idea with tangible actions. Show them the “how” with step-by-step action items and expected results. As you break it down it won’t appear so overwhelming.
4. Anticipate their objections and concerns, and speak to them directly
Anticipating and speaking to your co-worker’s objections as early as possible in the conversation is a great way to get them to listen. Try saying…”If I were you I might be wondering… (and then fill in the anticipated concern).” Be thoughtful about how you respond to concerns and stay open to many points of view.
5. Articulate your “ask”
Be clear with what you need from your coworkers and request just one commitment from them at a time. You might say…
“So to move forward with this great idea, here’s the support I need from you…
“Just a thumbs up when I raise the idea in our next MS Teams meeting”
Or,
“I’m thinking that if each of us spent (insert required time) this month, we could knock this out.”
Or,
“I’m looking for a few customers to try this with. Would you be open to helping me find the customers we could work with on this?”
And what would you add as #6? How would you suggest this friend position their great idea with their coworkers? What’s worked for you in the past?
Ready to rally YOUR team for breakthrough results with Let’s Grow Leaders?
Establish a Courageous Culture of critical thinkers, problem solvers, and customer advocates in your organization with a Team Innovation Challenge or Executive Leadership Workshop. These strategic innovation events – in person or virtual – will help shape the culture of your organization, skyrocket employee engagement, and clear the path for great ideas and increased team innovation.
Let’s Grow Leaders programs are highly customized to your organization’s needs, hands-on, practical, and interactive. Get ready for leadership development that sticks.
See Also: Our Training Magazine Webinar on 7 Practical Ways to Be a Bit More Daring
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