Are Your Ideas Being Heard?

Leadership Connections Blog

Cynthia, a high-level manager in the retail industry, had identified a clear issue with how business results were measured. By looking at the numbers in a different way than the norm, she felt that she had identified a real game-changer!  But, although she had brought it up in her management team meeting several times, she felt that she could not gain traction among her peers for addressing her concerns. Those responsible for that aspect of the organization were used to doing things a certain way and did not seem to want to hear any fresh perspectives.   

Interactions within a management team can be tricky, because perceived differences in power and influence can cause tension or conflict.  One option to overcome a challenging dynamic is to use objective facts and solid business reasoning to persuade your audience, by building a business case for your ideas.

• Partner with the right people to gather information and create a presentation. 
• Gain an understanding of why the current method exists and the reasons why others might be resistant to the changes you suggest, and plan to address those issues objectively.
• Allow the facts and numbers to speak for you.  Keep the discussion around the facts, not your opinions.

Leader’s Reaction: 

In the course of our coaching session, Cynthia said that “a light bulb went off!”  She felt that it made perfect sense, and began to ask herself what that would look like.  

Outcome: 

Cynthia asked two key partners to gather the numbers and draft a presentation, which she presented to her CFO at a weekly meeting with her management team.  She is now working successfully with the CFO to address the issue.