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!
Dear Courage Coach,
When I interviewed for my new job, I was told they were looking for someone with experience, ideas and the courage to try new things. I thought, “This is the PERFECT place for me!”
I’ve got two decades of experience and lots of ideas on how to make an impact here. But when I share them, it turns out that no one wants to try anything new. I know it’s cliché, but "this is the way we do things around here" might as well be our company motto.
I’m frustrated and I’m getting the sense that I’m frustrating other people too. What should I do?
Signed,
Smashing Lightbulbs
Dear SL,
I’m so sorry you’re dealing with this common struggle between innovation and the infamous status quo. And sadly, you’re in good company. Our Courageous Cultures research found 67% of respondents said their boss operates around the notion, “This is the way we’ve always done it.” Let’s give you some ways to stop smashing those lightbulbs and give your ideas a better chance of being taken seriously.
Four Practical Ways to Help Your Ideas Gain Traction
1. Context: Fit the Puzzle Piece
Think of your ideas as puzzle pieces. To make them fit, you’ve got to see the whole picture. Before you go charging in with your latest and greatest innovation, take a step back and really look at the landscape. Is your idea a perfect match for one of the company’s burning problems? Does it align with strategic goals? Or is it just something cool you’d like to see happen? Understanding the context isn’t just about knowing the mission, vision and values — though that’s important too — it’s about getting to the heart of what makes this organization tick. Remember, even the best ideas need a context that says, “Yes, we need this right now.”
2. Collaboration: Share the Glory, Share the Fun
The best way to get others on board is to include them. Make it clear that you’re passionate about the idea because of what it will do for the organization, your customers or the team — not about getting credit.
Ask for input, get curious about what others think. Invite them to weigh in with ideas about how to make your idea better. Not only will this help you refine it, but it’ll also make people more likely to support it because, hey, now it’s their idea too. And we all know folks are more likely to push for something if they’re part of the solution.
Related Article: Courage Coach: 7 Ways to Help Your Boss Make a Decision
3. Focus: Don’t Overwhelm With Brilliance
You’re brimming with ideas — that’s awesome! But like a strong cup of coffee, too much too fast can leave everyone jittery. It’s tempting to unload all your innovations at once. Resist. Instead, prioritize.
What’s the one idea that could make the biggest difference? What’s the biggest opportunity for a quick win? Hone in on those first. Show that you can think strategically about what will have the biggest impact. This way, when you suggest something, people will think, "Oh, this is going to be good," instead of, "Here we go again."
4. Persistence: Keep Knocking, But Be Patient
So, you’ve fit your ideas into the bigger picture, shared the glory and focused your efforts. But what if you’re still getting those blank stares or polite nods that lead to nowhere?
Conference
Sep
16
HR Tech Conference Las Vegas 2025
Register
Conference
Oct
27
Gartner HR Symposium/Xpo Orlando 2025
Register
Sometimes, it’s just about persistence.
Change, even when it’s desperately needed, can be intimidating. It’s human nature to cling to the familiar, so don’t be surprised if your ideas aren’t embraced immediately. That doesn’t mean they’re not good — it just means you need to keep gently nudging. Keep the conversations going, follow up on previous suggestions, and look for small ways to build momentum. Sometimes, the key to making a big change is to start with tiny steps.
And remember, patience doesn’t mean complacency — it means playing the long game.
Learn how you can join our contributor community.
