Present Ideas to Your Boss with Confidence
Pitching a new idea to your boss does not have to be daunting or intimidating. Some practical tips from eHow magazine will help you on your way and give you the confidence and courage to share your ideas with conviction.
- Gather information that supports your idea. Find statistics that show the potential success of your proposal with relevant examples.
- Write your idea out on paper before you pitch your boss. What seems great in your head can be refined once you see it in writing. It’s always a good idea to present your boss with a written proposal (be sure to include your name) so he/she can process it after you have left the meeting.
- Prepare best case scenarios of your idea in action and be ready for what-if questions. Help your boss envision the positive things that may happen as a result of your idea. Illustrate potential successes.
- Approach your boss at the appropriate time for your pitch – ideally during a down time or a scheduled meeting on a slower day. Never pitch at the end of the day or on the fly, walking to another meeting. With a scheduled appointment you have a captive audience and the boss’s full attention.
- Be respectful, especially if your boss is not immediately thrilled with your idea. Give him/her time to process it and be open to tweaking your idea to accommodate her suggestions. Always show your gratitude for the opportunity to make a proposal and plan to circle back for feedback after your boss has had a chance to digest the proposal.
Be sure to maintain good eye contact when you present your ideas – this shows confidence and strength and sets the tone for the encounter. Don’t be afraid to propose your suggestions. Even if all your ideas are not embraced, it shows initiative, creativity and it pays to take a risk to get your ideas heard.
