It can be very exciting to have an idea which you want to propose to your company to purchase or implement. Doing so, often, requires that you use influence in your relationships to help others embrace your idea, and take it forward to purchase.
You will need to understand the culture and/or environment in which you want to make your proposal. You may also need to “sell” your idea to decision-makers; or depending on the scope or cost of the item, you may be able to make or recommend a direct purchase.
Ultimately, you will need to gain support from others, your boss, and potentially your coworkers to help propose or support your idea and bring it forward to be purchased or implemented.
The Scenario:
One day, I was invited to a meeting where a new analyst was telling us about a software program she wanted us to buy. Her method was to invite my team in the room, show a few slides, and wing a demonstration.
Unfortunately, the software did not work. Additionally, although my company has a budget to buy software, there is usually an extensive process of vetting the software prior to a purchase being made.
To top it off, when the person referred to her colleague to speak about his experience with the software, it was clear he likely hadn’t been briefed, as he went on to describe that while he had used it, he didn’t think it was appropriate to be used in our environment.
Uh-oh…Did you brief the guy?
Discussion
Specifically, if you are wanting a coworker or boss to support you, it is very important to ensure the person is briefed prior to any meeting you chair, where you expect to propose your idea; especially, if you wish to have the support you and your idea need in the meeting.
What to do?
When the idea or concept is larger and requires a larger investment, you will want to have as many people to support your interests as you can.
Culture
To understand the culture, or environment, identify if there is a formal process by which you must bring your idea forward. If there is, you will have to follow that protocol, in addition to getting support for your idea.
Impact, Stakeholders, and Audience
You should also have an idea of who the audience or stakeholders of your idea will be, and be able to explain the impact and/or benefits.
Pre-Preparation
To do this, you can schedule a meeting with each support person, prior to the Idea Proposal meeting, to make sure:
(a) Your support audience (team) understands your position
(b) You understand their position
(c) They understand your ask “What is it you are asking them to do?” (d) They understand how to support you
(e) They understand if they are there to observe, or if you want them to observe and make a decision, or take action
For the meeting itself, select a schedule time that works for you, the audience AND your support person or team, so they can attend and support you as you need.
Additionally, you should also ensure you have checked:
(f) Any software, presentations function appropriately
(g) You are able to login to the network and can access your file from the room (if on site), or from your computer
(h) You understand where and how to access your presentation files
(i) You have prepped and distributed any reference documentation your audience needs
To recap:
- Understand the culture or environment in which you want to make your idea proposal
- Identify the impact of the idea or proposal, and the Audience and /or Stakeholders
- Prepare your support audience by briefing them about your idea, what to expect, and what you expect of them.
- Make sure your support audience has any handouts or supporting documentation
- Make sure your Idea Proposal Meeting is scheduled when your support audience can attend
- If there is a conflict, you can reschedule your Idea Proposal Meeting.
Reminder:
Never invite someone to a meeting you are leading or facilitating, without knowing where they stand about your topic or idea.