You want to pursue a passion project at work. How can you convince your boss to give you the green light?

Define your goals for the passion project by identifying the problem or opportunity it addresses, its contribution to company objectives, measurable outcomes, personal growth opportunities, and anticipated impact on the team or organization.

Present a compelling proposal outlining the project's benefits, aligning with company goals, and showcasing your commitment. Emphasize potential positive outcomes such as increased productivity, innovation, or employee satisfaction. Address any concerns proactively, offering a clear plan, timeline, and potential resources required, demonstrating its feasibility and value to the organization.

When it comes to a work-related passion project, it's all about aligning interests. If you can highlight the win-win elements, then your boss is much more likely to give you grace, not to mention, they may even divert some resources to helping you. In my case, I work for a consulting firm in the tech space and was interested in spinning up a podcast called "How the Heck Do You Get Into Tech?" It was basically an excuse to interview co-workers and community members who also had nontraditional paths into tech. Do you want to know who I went to first? That's right - our GM for our local market. It just so happens he also had a unique path into tech and was willing to share his experience. Remember to ask yourself, "What's in it for them?"

By clearly defining the area of impact, specific goals, and measurable outcomes you make it easy for everyone to understand your project. Before pitching your boss, make sure your current work shines – success is your best advocate.

Having passionate ideas while following a company schedule can be challenging. But what happens when leadership doesn't support a co-worker's passionate idea? Instead of convincing, the key is to have a conversation. A team that listens and discusses creative projects seeks to understand your perspective. Creativity should have an open, brave voice, not a timid one. Let's encourage a culture of creativity and innovation in the workplace. #Creativity #Innovation #WorkplaceCulture

(Passion project?This was worth $5k bonus to me...) As real estate rep for outdoor advertising company, I was sure I had skills to write an article about getting jerked around by zoning board re: height variance for a build next to elevated road. Every local Z-board had different regs; site was only possible spot on new 7 mi. connector between major highways, in a dry dump bordered by power station, smokestack industry, and railroad. Variance was denied as 'out of character with neighborhood,' 800' from closest house. Boss (6'7") was aware of my writing background, and that 5'4" Z-board head was very anti-billboard. He smiled at my offer, and just said, "No, Glenn, that's what lawyers are for." No $5k for me, built 3 yrs. later though.

make yourself the boss - there is nothing more liberating than going out on your own a seeing your ideas coming to fruition without getting friction from someone who is neither interested or has the knowledge or is not able to ive life with your vision