Often, the best ideas come from workers on the frontlines or those in middle management. Working directly with suppliers, communicating daily with customers, and managing employees all give unique perspectives into the inner workings of a business.
Even with firsthand knowledge of a problem and a possible solution, the prospect of pitching a new idea to the next level of leadership can feel overwhelming and intimidating. As Harvard Business Review points out, you can’t know for sure what reaction you’ll get. “Some managers will be more unapproachable and unresponsive than others, but research shows that the majority are more open to ideas and suggestions than you might imagine—provided they are approached effectively.” With that in mind, follow these three tips when you’re ready to pitch your big idea.
Talk One-on-One
Some managers are easier to talk to than others, but no matter how comfortable you are with your boss, you want to set yourself up for success. So, ask them for an appointment to talk one-on-one. This lets your manager know that what you have to share is important, and will help protect against interruptions. It’s best to avoid having an audience when you pitch your suggestion. Harvard Business Review’s research found that “managers felt 30% less threatened when employees spoke to them one-on-one than when the suggestions were made in front of other employees.”
Show You’ve Thought It Through
It can be tempting to immediately share an idea that just popped into your head, but give it time to simmer instead. You want to show your boss you respect their time and have put some thought into your suggestion. That same Harvard Business Review research “found that managers typically evaluated an employee-generated idea by considering three questions.” In a nutshell, those questions are:
- What’s required to implement it?
- Who will help implement it?
- Is it worth implementing?
Those are all questions you should consider and research answers to before pitching your idea.
Link It To Current Goals
You may have the best idea in the world, but if it doesn’t match up to your company’s goals then it will likely fall flat. Instead, link your big idea to helping your employer achieve the goals they’ve previously established. As this Fortune article explains, “…show how your ideas will further their already-set agenda. In other words, to get buy-in, you have to make the tie-in.” Not only will this help get your manager’s approval, it will also make it much easier for them to pitch the idea to upper leadership.
Presenting your big idea can be an empowering and validating experience. Just be sure you’ve planned ahead and thought everything through. By following these three tips, you’ll help ensure your pitch is effective and the best it can possibly be.
Last Updated on October 4, 2023
