Editorial
Welcome to Courage Coach, where expert columnist Karin Hurt answers readers' tough leadership challenges with practical tools and techniques you can use right away. Have a question for her? Drop her a line!
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Dear Courage Coach,
I’ve got a great idea that I’m quite sure will make a huge difference for our customers and save us all a lot of time. But here’s the stupid thing. NOBODY will listen to me. My co-workers don’t seem to care, and my boss is too busy. I’m starting to feel like Harry Potter locked in a cabinet under the stairs. I’ve got magic to share, but nobody cares.
Signed,
The Guy in Cubicle 9 ¾
Dear GIC 9 ¾,
It sounds like you’ve got an idea brighter than the Patronus Charm, but your co-workers treat it like it’s straight out of a Divination class (read: ignored).
Sadly, your experience is all too common. In our research on psychological safety and innovation, 50% of the respondents said they don’t share ideas, because nothing will happen with them. I don’t want that for you, so let’s get you some practical tips to get that idea heard!
Related Article: Courage Coach: How to Stop One Person From Dominating Virtual Meetings
How to Cast a 'Sonorus' Spell to Amplify Your Idea
Here are a few tips to capture attention and strengthen your pitch.
1. Be a great listener yourself
If you want people to listen to your ideas, make it a habit to listen to and respect theirs. If you have a reputation for caring about your peers and supporting them in their efforts, they’re more likely to take you and your idea seriously.
2. Know what matters most to them, and communicate your idea in that context
Understanding your co-workers' priorities is like decoding a Marauder's Map of their motivations. Start by tapping into their personal footprints and uncover what truly matters to them. You might discover obstacles or needs that your idea can address.
Turn your WIIFT (What's In It For Them) into a “Portkey” that teleports them to their most desired outcomes, and you'll find your proposal becoming irresistible.
For example: “I've conjured a strategy that could reclaim at least 10 hours of our workweek from inefficiency. Mind if I share the incantation?”
Or, “How would you feel about a charm I've developed that could dramatically lower our clients' stress levels?”
By translating their needs into a language of spells, charms and magical places, you'll not only resonate on a human level but also frame your idea in a compelling narrative that's tough to ignore.
3. Talk them through the 'how' of your idea
When a coworker won’t listen, it’s often because they’re afraid of taking on more work. Show them that you’ve thought through the idea with tangible actions can reduce the feeling of being overwhelmed.
"Rest assured, this isn't going to be like fighting a Hungarian Horntail. I've put together a straightforward plan that eliminates the most labor-intensive aspects. Shall I share it?"
4. Address their skepticism before it becomes a boggart
Anticipating and speaking to your co-worker’s objections as early as possible in the conversation is a great way to get them to listen.
"If I were you, I might be worrying that this is like the Sorcerer's Stone — a lot of trouble for something that'll ultimately be destroyed. Let me tell you why this is more like Felix Felicis — luck in a bottle for us all."
5. Ask them to articulate the benefits of your idea
It’s human nature. People are more likely to buy into an idea when they feel like they’re involved. Show up curious about their hopes and frustrations for the problem you’re looking to solve. Try asking:
- Have you experienced this challenge too?
- How much time do you think we waste each week on this problem?
- What do you think would be the benefits of this approach?
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6. Be clear about your 'ask'
If you want your coworker to join you on this magical journey, it's essential to be clear about exactly what you’re asking them to do. A vague request is as ineffective as a wand without a wizard. Here's how to lay out your plan as clearly as the rules for a game of Quidditch:
"To pull this off, I'd need you to be the Hermione to my Harry. Here's the spell book (standard operating procedure) I've put together. Are you in?"
Or, "My hope is that you can act as my advocate with our manager. I've prepared a 'Howler' — but the friendly kind, with key talking points you can use."
When your asks are straightforward, it becomes much easier for your coworker to grasp the magic of your vision. This allows you to jointly combat the Dementors of stagnation and bring your enchanting idea to life.
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