The Little Black Book for Managers: How to Maximize Your Key Management Moments of Power

8

Your Ideas

8.1 Expect your ideas to be ridiculed

Using 50% of your time at work “managing” instead of operating will invariably lead you to consider making adjustments to the way the team works or the resources it has at its disposal. You prepare the case for change and present it to your boss.

“Listen John, we've tried that before, it was a disaster.” “Don't be so ridiculous.” “Are you mad, John?”

Whenever you make unsolicited plans for change, expect an immediate and hostile reaction, similar to the quotes above. Why? Because it will be your boss's way of testing your belief in, and commitment to, your recommendations. So, prior to rolling out your ideas, you may wish to plan your response to these likely critical rejoinders.

Obviously ...