As a leader, selling your ideas takes two things: 1) lots of practice and 2) the ability to have the right conversations. Emotional intelligence is also required to be able to read others’ reactions, incorporate their ideas, and be flexible without losing the intention of the idea.
What gets in your way?
• It’s all about you! AKA ego! While it may initially be your idea, the refusal to expand and contract the idea will hurt implementation and execution.
• Immovable. You’re emotionally attached to how it MUST look. The reality? Others will influence the idea’s success.
• Ignoring the Full Impact. You’ve not considered the impact it has on others, the situation, perception (e.g., co-workers, community, clients), cost, and time factors.
• It’s Not the Right Time. And … the reality may be (depending on your team, boss, and company) … it may never be the right time (especially if they don’t like your idea).
• You always have new ideas! People hate change and have tuned you out, especially constant change for the sake of change.
How to Sell Your Ideas and Be Heard
• Share ideas during meetings. Then, research the pros and cons IF there is interest.
• Create ideas during conversations. Be responsible for listening to their feedback and input.
• Share ideas after you’ve researched them. This includes the benefits and costs: objective facts, other’s insights, and company politics.
• Get real — objective facts are key. Look at actual costs, time, and impact on others. Then, include emotional factors.
• Incorporate others’ input. Be responsible for listening, asking open-ended questions, without diminishing the value or the intention of their input or your idea.
• Brag! Use your brags effectively. Selling yourself and your idea at the same time makes a positive difference. For example, when I worked at QRS as a Quality Manager, we talked about a similar idea, and here were the pros and cons. Remember, facts are important!
• Share the credit. Remember, it’s a team effort!
©Jeannette Seibly 2025 All Rights Reserved
Jeannette Seibly, an award-winning Talent Advisor, Leadership Results Coach, and Business Author, boasts over 32 years of hands-on experience. Her expertise helps leaders and bosses refine their hiring, coaching, and management practices and achieve their intended results. Along the journey, she has guided the creation of three millionaires and numerous six-figure earners, while championing those ready to elevate their game to new heights.