How To Convince the Boss

You’re having your morning coffee and answering e-mails, when all of a sudden, it hits you: you know how to finally get your department out of the financial gutter. It’s a great idea but – how do you sell it to management?

“Many fear expressing themselves creatively in the workplace, often because they’re afraid an out-of-the-box idea will be rejected,” says Michelle Vesse in her Novell business blog. “But that’s nothing to be upset about. Get used to the idea of occasional failures and move past the irrational fear of rejection.”

Unsure what approach to take?

Women leaders who get the boss to buy in to their ideas don’t overwhelm them with information. Take time to plan the pitch, find statistics and support, keep it short, be prepared to elaborate and be respectful if your idea is rejected, says eHow.com.

While strategizing, involve top executives, get an endorsement to research the issue, identify solutions and always keep your manager updated on the progress, says the Harvard Business Review.

Put a time limit on rejection. If the boss continues to block ideas, regardless of supporting research, it might be time to revise goals and possibly look elsewhere.

Bonus PINK Link: Maybe it’s not you – it’s her. Here’s how to deal with a “difficult” female boss.

Minute Mentor: Dr. June Cooley, a clinical psychologist, shares advice on dealing with the stress in your life.

By Muriel Vega

“Behold the turtle—he makes progress only when he sticks his neck out.”  Unknown