header banner
Default

How to Sell Your Ideas up the Chain of Command


Table of Contents

    You have a great idea—a product tweak that will save your company money, a process change to increase your team’s productivity, or a plan for heading off a looming crisis. There’s just one snag: You’re not sure how to approach your boss about it, or worse, you’ve tried and failed to get the attention of higher-ups.

    According to the author’s research, two factors are crucial to a successful pitch: having the confidence to make your suggestion and knowing how to frame it to get the best reception from your boss.

    The key, the author says, is to understand the psychology of higher-ups—to get inside their heads. Doing so can help you recognize what tips the scales in your favor—and identify the (rare) instances when it’s best to try to go around or above them.

    You have a great idea—a product tweak that will save your company money, a process change to increase your team’s productivity, or a plan for heading off a looming crisis. There’s just one snag: You’re not sure how to approach your boss about it, or worse, you’ve tried and failed to get the attention of higher-ups.

    A version of this article appeared in the January–February 2022 issue of Harvard Business Review.

    Sources


    Article information

    Author: Oscar Koch

    Last Updated: 1702393921

    Views: 1086

    Rating: 5 / 5 (64 voted)

    Reviews: 92% of readers found this page helpful

    Author information

    Name: Oscar Koch

    Birthday: 1992-07-05

    Address: 59616 Joy Village Suite 412, Traceyberg, NE 82280

    Phone: +3609856085121304

    Job: Pharmacist

    Hobby: Juggling, Horseback Riding, Role-Playing Games, Puzzle Solving, Traveling, Card Collecting, Wine Tasting

    Introduction: My name is Oscar Koch, I am a expert, Open, Adventurous, receptive, unguarded, risk-taking, proficient person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.