For many managers, the worst part of their job is spending time, money and brain cells on a truly great idea–only to find out later the boss doesn’t care or rejects it outright.
To rub salt in the wound, the boss never misses a chance to say, “I want your best ideas. I encourage you to take risks and be innovative.”
How can you cope with such hypocrisy?
Ideally, test your ideas on your own and chart the results. Run a low-cost pilot. Bringing your boss stark proof of your brilliance is that much harder to dismiss.
If staging a trial isn’t feasible, track your time like a consultant. Update your boss on how you’re spending your time and why you prioritize exploring new ideas to improve the organization’s bottom line.
Faced with quantifiable data on your use of time, a boss may reflect on the merits of your output and treat your ideas more seriously. (Of course, that’s assuming you have a reasonable, competent manager.)
Here’s another strategy that steers clear of your boss. Take every opportunity to expand your network within your organization. Join committees where you gain access to other senior executives. Enlist peers to introduce you to their higher-ups.
By quietly building your exposure, you can hopefully find more receptive champions who recognize the value of your creative contributions.
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Tags: office politics
