Your boss is risk-averse and you need to innovate. What are some ways to get them on board?

You have a great idea for a new product, service, or process that could benefit your company and your customers. But your boss is risk-averse and reluctant to support any changes that might disrupt the status quo. How can you persuade them to embrace innovation and give your idea a chance? Here are some ways to get them on board.

1 Understand their concerns

The first step is to empathize with your boss and try to see things from their perspective. What are their goals, challenges, and priorities? What are the risks and rewards of your proposal? How does it align with the company's vision, mission, and values? By showing that you understand their concerns and respect their authority, you can build trust and rapport with them.

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ADNAN HUSSAIN, CMI, CPMP

LinkedIn Top Voice | AI x Branding & Marketing Cheerleader | Certified Marketing Insider | Award Winning Creative Director | Scroll-Stopping & High Performing Brand Copy Magician | Event Stylist | Business & SMEs Mentor
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To get a risk-averse boss on board with innovation - Focus on showcasing small-scale successes - Highlighting potential competitive advantages - Emphasizing the cost of inaction and - Framing innovation as a strategic imperative for long-term growth and sustainability

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ABDUL REHMAN ♾️

🚀MERN Stack Developer | Ex-Nayatel | Ex-MedExamExpert | Ex-Hyper Future E-Commerce
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To engage a risk-averse boss in innovation, focus on presenting a well-structured plan with clear benefits, realistic timelines, and manageable risks. Provide examples of successful innovations in similar contexts and propose a phased approach with testing mechanisms to instill confidence and minimize perceived risks.

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2 Communicate clearly and convincingly

The next step is to communicate your idea clearly and convincingly. Use simple and concise language, avoid jargon and technical details, and focus on the benefits and value of your idea. Use stories, examples, and analogies to illustrate your points and make them memorable. Anticipate and address any objections or questions that your boss might have. Prepare a short and compelling pitch that summarizes your idea, its advantages, and its feasibility.

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3 Involve them in the process

The third step is to involve your boss in the process of developing and testing your idea. Ask for their feedback, suggestions, and input. Show them how you incorporate their opinions and insights into your idea. Invite them to join you in brainstorming, prototyping, or experimenting with your idea. Make them feel part of the innovation journey and show them how their contribution matters.

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4 Provide evidence and data

The fourth step is to provide evidence and data to support your idea. Use facts, figures, and research to demonstrate the validity and viability of your idea. Show them how your idea has been tested, validated, or proven by others. Provide examples of similar or successful innovations in your industry or market. Use metrics and indicators to measure and monitor the progress and impact of your idea.

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krai Pearson (MSc)

Cert DigM
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As mentioned in a previous contribution showcasing small scale success and building trust with your boss/manager is key to get them on board. Using data to strengthen the liklihood of success when pitching an idea cab also help reduce risk anxiety.

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5 Seek allies and advocates

The fifth step is to seek allies and advocates for your idea. Find out who else in your company or network shares your vision and enthusiasm for innovation. Reach out to them and ask for their support, endorsement, or collaboration. Identify the key decision-makers and influencers who can help you get your idea approved or funded. Build a coalition of supporters who can vouch for your idea and persuade your boss.

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Adewale Oseni

STEM Education Expert, Certified XR Professional, Founder, Former Lecturer for Cyber and Data Security Naval Training Command HQ QUORRA, Innovator, Edtech-STEM Ed Advocate, Curricullum Developer, SDGoals Advocate
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Most times when a boss is risk aversed, he/she just want to avoid unnecessary spending. I found ultilising existing tools differently or innovating around the problem can be cost effective

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6 Be flexible and adaptable

The final step is to be flexible and adaptable. Be open to feedback, criticism, and improvement. Be willing to modify, refine, or pivot your idea based on new information, insights, or opportunities. Be ready to overcome challenges, setbacks, or failures. Be patient, persistent, and positive. Show your boss that you are committed to innovation, but also realistic, pragmatic, and respectful.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Your boss is risk-averse and you need to innovate. What are some ways to get them on board?

1

2

3

4

5

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1 Understand their concerns

2 Communicate clearly and convincingly

3 Involve them in the process

4 Provide evidence and data

5 Seek allies and advocates

6 Be flexible and adaptable

7 Here’s what else to consider

Creativity Skills

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Your boss is risk-averse and you need to innovate. What are some ways to get them on board?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Understand their concerns

2 Communicate clearly and convincingly

3 Involve them in the process

4 Provide evidence and data

5 Seek allies and advocates

6 Be flexible and adaptable

7 Here’s what else to consider

Creativity Skills

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