How to convey your opinion to management

When they want to hear your opinion

Brilliant ideas shine when they are relevant. If your advice / comment / opinion is really awaited, do not remain silent and do not hide behind the backs of colleagues. The phrase “I don’t know, I have no opinion on this matter” in general should be forgotten forever.

What to do

If at a meeting with your superiors, attention suddenly shifts to you, and the boss asks you to speak on this matter, take the floor. Be clear and clear about what you think about a particular issue. Suggest your own solution to the situation. Even if they don't listen to you, they will at least know that you are not just sitting in your place, but are rooting for the company and have your own view of its development.

It would be good to prepare in advance for such moments and stock up on a couple of ideas in case someone turns to you for advice so as not to get screwed up.

You are not asked, but you have something to say

There are times when you have a seemingly brilliant plan ready, but no one wants to hear about it. For example, you know how to increase sales, but the boss always postpones the discussion of this issue until later. Or you notice problems in the work of the department, but your ideas are not interesting to anyone.

What to do

If the situation allows, try to take responsibility yourself, and then demonstrate real results so that the conversation with the management was more substantive.

Work according to your scheme for several days. If the result turns out to be impressive, share it with your boss so as not to speak hypothetically, but to operate with real data.

There is one but: such experiments should be carried out only when you are sure of the result and when such initiative does not lead to the opposite effect. If your company does not welcome initiative, think carefully before taking action.

You are silent, and I am silent

It also happens that you seem to have an opinion on a certain account, and the authorities do not mind listening, but at the same time you are silent, and the leader is not interested in your ideas. They remain unclaimed. The boss considers you to be a non-initiative employee, and you lose interest in work. Not the most pleasant scenario.

What to do

Act! Draw up a document with your thoughts on improving the work of the department, increasing sales, promoting your own ideas and feel free to send it to your bosses. So you get several advantages at once compared to other colleagues:

The chief will understand that you have your own point of view and you are ready to defend it.
You will be seen as a brave and self-confident person.
You will show that you can analyze information and find useful solutions for your business.

Don't be afraid to speak up even if other coworkers don't, even if you're new to the company, even if you're scared. Initiative is not punishable when it brings results.