Focus, focus, focus! Don’t begin with something generic, “This idea will make things better.” Start with something tangible and meaningful to the organization., like: “This idea is estimated to decrease our operational costs by $150K per year,” or “…projected to increase employee satisfaction by 15%”.

Demonstrate how the new idea would work

Go visual! While a 10-page description might be appealing to some, humans are visual creatures (hence the wisdom that a picture tells 1,000 words). A better approach is to provide a graphical representation such as a flowchart, process map or even a scale model. Make it appealing and easy to understand.

Explain why the idea is an improvement over current practice

Provide copies of your analyses so that everyone can see that you have thoroughly examined the current process/practice. Stay focused on the positive attributes of the improvement rather than honing in on criticizing the current process/practice.

Attend to criticism and be prepared to respond to questions

Prepare. Have a respected colleague review your information and identify enhancements that can be made for content and clarity, and key areas where questions might arise. During the time you are presenting the idea, don’t assume that any criticism or questions that you receive are attacks on you personally. Rather, take such criticisms/questions as a sign that the decision makers are engaged and listening to what you are saying! Document the issues that surface so that you can be sure to follow-up and address them specifically with the individual that raised them.

It’s time to get noticed! By using the tool above you can more effectively introduce, communicate and ultimately implement your ideas.

Terry Gothard

tgothard@caprelo.com

 

 

 

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