Reader Chris is feeling frustrated since starting a new job where he says the managers are stuck in their ways. Jobs Guru James Innes is here with some good advice
Question:
Dear James,
I’ve recently started working at an established design agency which has a very set way of doing things.
I have lots of ideas to improve the way we work but I’m struggling to get management to listen to me. Colleagues also say it’s hard to get their attention or to get any interest or feedback on suggestions.
What’s the best way to make myself heard without coming across as too pushy?
Chris, 28, London
Answer:
This is a situation to which I can relate, Chris – and from both sides. I’ve started out in jobs before where I’ve immediately identified opportunities for improvement that I have wished to bring to the management – and, as a Chief Executive, I’ve had new members of staff come to me with their own suggestions.
From your point of view, I know that it can be very frustrating feeling that the management are not listening. However, you are absolutely right in attempting to bring your thoughts to their attention. So how to communicate your ideas without coming across as ‘pushy’?
For each new idea, it is important to make a clear business case – outlining the current way of working, explaining your suggested change(s) and, most importantly, demonstrating the benefits in terms of time and/or money. Quantifiable changes are always more likely to grab the management’s attention.
You also need to make things as simple as possible for the management to reach the ‘right’ decision by explaining clearly what is necessary to implement the changes.
Finally, I would strongly suggest you only approach them with one idea at a time rather than hitting them with a long ‘shopping list’ of suggestions which they might struggle to get their head round!
Top Tip:
When trying to communicate or implement new ways of working, do remember that your perspective will differ from that of others, in particular your management. A little empathy can go a long way!
Spotlight On:
A common complaint people make about their bosses is that they either take too long to reach a decision – or that they fail to reach one at all! Or, even worse, feeling incapable of finding the time to reach an appropriate decision, they simply play it safe and say “No!”
Decision-making is an essential part of your boss’s role – and their ability to make appropriate decisions is very important to your job.
But do bear in mind that you and your management are approaching the business from very different perspectives. Issues which are important to you may be less so to them as they attempt to concentrate on the ‘big picture.’
Our Jobs Guru, James Innes, is a best-selling careers author and founder of the world’s leading group of professional CV and resume writers .
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