Maybe the phrase “getting your way at work” is a little self centered. But let’s call it what it is. You need to come up with great ideas at work, convince your leaders and peers to buy in and then achieve killer results if you want to get ahead. And that’s what we want to help you do at Janes-List.com! Become the idea person in your workplace by working towards the following goals.
1. Speak up…
Admittedly, I’ve never been a shrinking violet when it comes to sharing my ideas in the office. So, it may be hard for me to relate to those who are. The best I can tell you is that you have your position because you are probably bright and qualified and a hard worker. And those reasons alone qualify you to be a great idea person. Perhaps the only thing holding you back is the fear of getting a poor reception when you do speak up. Sure, it’s OK to be scared of that, but who cares if you don’t have the best idea. You’re not going to get fired! And what’s the alternative if you don’t speak up. You colleagues and your company could miss out on a wonderful opportunity that you will never get to take credit for.
2. …only when you have something to say
This territory is a little more familiar to me! There’s nothing worse than sitting in a meeting that’s two hours too long because one participant likes the sound of her voice a little too much. Don’t be that person. When you hold back and only speak up when it’s very important or you’re confident you have a very good idea or solution, something wonderful happens. People listen. Or in other words, speak softly and carry a big idea! It will take some trial and error to find the right balance between speaking up too much, at the risk of being obnoxious, and holding back too often, at the risk of missing an opportunity. I think the risk will be worth the reward.
3. Present the bottom line – W.I.F.M.
When my husband was on recruiting duty, he taught me so much valuable information about sales. His favorite lesson was “W.I.F.M.” or “What’s in it for me?” Yes, you want your company to adopt your idea, or expand your department or buy a new piece of equipment that will help you. But remove the words “I,” “me,” and “my,” from your vocabulary. It will get you nowhere. How will your idea benefit the company? And what’s most important to the company is probably its bottom line. Speak in terms of cutting expenses, increasing productivity, producing effciences, and that’s a language that the leadership in your office will understand, loud and clear.
4. Present the alternative
This is a great persuasion tactic. Sure, there will be less desirable alternatives, but comparing them to your idea will help cast it in a more positive light. Every idea you present should have two more alternatives – good, better, best. Best is your idea, so sell it hard! This involves some preparation. You have to be very talented to present a three-pronged argument off the top of your head. So, jot down what you want to say and go over it a few times before speaking it out loud.
5. Merchandise your success
My nature is to not take credit for anything and give credit to all the other people I work with. I learned fast that this frame of mind will ensure you’re stepped on and pushed aside for the rest of your career. Don’t believe me? Wait until the next time one of your favorite “team members” get promoted over you. Find every reasonable opportunity you can to showcase your successes. Emphasis is on the word “success.” No one needs to know what you’re “working on” or who you “followed up with.” Showcase those successes that benefit the bottom line.
Photo by: jndollars
