Learn effective leadership strategies for when colleagues and superiors are not receptive to your ideas, aiding in career advancement.

Estar abierto a la retroalimentación agrega mucho valor y más si la adaptas a los comentarios de tus colegas. Algunas veces las personas tratan de defender la ideas de forma reactiva y esto no agrega valor y por más que la idea sea buena, el equipo no la toma. Muy importante ser flexible y adaptable

In my experience a lack of receptivity to our ideas can stem from inability to connect and land well with people, and from our ideas being deficient, i.e., falling short of what's needed to get others to embrace them. As well, if our delivery is arrogant or overconfident this tends to turn people off. To overcome this: 1) connect authentically with colleagues and superiors 2) keep humility handy, people aren't persuaded by arrogance or if we seem insufferable 3) listen actively to get to the root cause of resistance 4) validate any concerns rather than jumping to counterarguments 5) seek feedback, and try to make space for co-creation. So pull people in and you'll neutralize resistance by being accessible and a true partner

Definitivamente para que una idea sea receptiva tiene que tener un involucramiento previo de los colegas y del jefe, ellos agregan valor y asi la idea toma más fuerza en el momento de presentarla y de adoptarla.

En mi experiencia es importante hacerte las siguientes preguntas: -Cómo estás comunicando la idea? -Presentas evidencia de como se beneficia la idea al equipo y a tu jefe. -Presentas evidencia de como tu idea beneficia a la compañía con números? -Tomaste las expectativas de los demás para plantearla? -Los involucras en el momento de presentar la idea?

Try to understand that may be you need to change something and that your idea/ideas needs realignment, try to follow this perspective, understand the other point of view and think about it, improve the way you are communicating your idea to suit the recipient (not all audience are the same), seek feedback from other parties of relevance, and at the end always make sure you pinpoint the value.

La persistencia y la paciencia son habilidades clave en un buen líder. Si empiezas a construir con tu equipo una comunicación clara y a presentar pequeños resultados asociados a tu idea vas construyendo confianza y ganando un posicionamiento que es clave para que adopten tus ideas

What do you do if your colleagues and superiors are not receptive to your ideas?

Facing a situation where your ideas are met with resistance in the workplace can be disheartening. It's a common scenario, and how you handle it can significantly influence your professional growth and leadership development. When others don't initially embrace your suggestions, it’s crucial to navigate the situation with tact, persistence, and an open mind. This article will explore actionable steps to take when you find yourself in this challenging position, ensuring your voice is heard while maintaining positive relationships with colleagues and superiors.

1 Reflect First

Before reacting to resistance, take a moment to self-reflect. Consider the possibility that your idea may need refinement. Are there aspects you might have overlooked? Understanding the perspective of your colleagues and superiors can be enlightening. They may have valid concerns or insights that could improve your proposal. This introspection not only helps in enhancing your idea but also demonstrates maturity and a willingness to collaborate, which are key traits of effective leadership.

Add your perspective

Wesam Muhammad

AI, Smart Cities, Big Data, IoT, IIoT, Strategy, Digital Transformation and Innovation
Report contribution
Try to understand that may be you need to change something and that your idea/ideas needs realignment, try to follow this perspective, understand the other point of view and think about it, improve the way you are communicating your idea to suit the recipient (not all audience are the same), seek feedback from other parties of relevance, and at the end always make sure you pinpoint the value.

Like
Suany Orrego Carvajal

|Mentora | Liderazgo de empresas | Miembro junta directiva | Empoderamiento Femenino | Conferencista | Mujer LIT | Circulo de Mujeres Semana Dinero|
Report contribution
En mi experiencia es importante hacerte las siguientes preguntas: -Cómo estás comunicando la idea? -Presentas evidencia de como se beneficia la idea al equipo y a tu jefe. -Presentas evidencia de como tu idea beneficia a la compañía con números? -Tomaste las expectativas de los demás para plantearla? -Los involucras en el momento de presentar la idea?

Translated

Like
Gertrudis Achecar

Global Digital Business / Risk Exec | Digital Payments | Enabling Diverse Talent to Achieve Bold Goals with High Standards | Leadership Coach
Report contribution
As a Digital & Payments Business/Risk Executive, I seek to understand what is behind the resistance. Is it lack of budget, knowledge, time, etc.? Based on that feedback I may update the idea and present using their language. I then propose a pilot to experiment and learn from the results.

Like
Javier Giménez Divieso

Expert manager in leadership, teams and HR, I offer you my services on a temporary or freelance basis 🔹Business consultant & external advisor, mentor, interim, executive & team coach, trainer 🔹174 reviews in my profile
Report contribution
A la hora de comunicar tus ideas ten en cuenta que no se trata tanto de tí sino de lo que entienden los demás. Por eso debes amoldar tu mensaje al otro. Te aconsejo utilizar la Programación Neurolinguística (PNL). Es decir en tu mensaje presta atención y desarrolla tu mensaje utilizando las palabras y expresiones adecuadas según el receptor sea una persona auditiva, visual o kinestésica. Haz preguntas abiertas para entender que parte no ha comprendido la persona en cuestión. Recuerda también en tu mensaje trabajar la parte analítica y racional, emocional o corazón y la que tiene que ver con la acción. Un último consejo, se persuasivo pero a la vez deja espacio para la reflexión. A veces se precisa tiempo.

Translated

Like
Vikram C.

Learn | Practice | Grow | Inspire
Report contribution
Facing resistance from colleagues and superiors can be daunting, but it's an opportunity for growth. Firstly, ensure clarity in communication, articulating the value your ideas bring. Adapt your approach, tailoring it to their preferences and priorities. Listen actively to their concerns and incorporate constructive feedback. Build alliances and garner support from influential peers. Sometimes, patience is key; persistence and consistency can gradually sway opinions. Embrace the challenge, view it as a chance to refine your ideas and develop resilience. Ultimately, your perseverance can lead to innovation and organizational progress.

Like

Load more contributions

2 Seek Feedback

Once you've refined your idea, actively seek out feedback. Approach your colleagues and superiors individually and ask for their honest opinions. Engaging in one-on-one conversations allows for a more in-depth discussion and shows that you value their input. This can help build rapport and may lead to them becoming more receptive to your ideas. Remember, feedback is a gift that provides you with different perspectives and the opportunity to strengthen your proposal.

Add your perspective

Suany Orrego Carvajal

|Mentora | Liderazgo de empresas | Miembro junta directiva | Empoderamiento Femenino | Conferencista | Mujer LIT | Circulo de Mujeres Semana Dinero|
Report contribution
Definitivamente para que una idea sea receptiva tiene que tener un involucramiento previo de los colegas y del jefe, ellos agregan valor y asi la idea toma más fuerza en el momento de presentarla y de adoptarla.

Translated

Like

3 Communicate Clearly

Communication is the cornerstone of getting your ideas across. Ensure you're articulating the benefits of your proposal and how it aligns with the team's or organization's goals. Be concise and focus on the key points to avoid overwhelming your audience with too much information at once. A clear, well-structured presentation of your idea can make a significant difference in how it's received.

Add your perspective

GEETIKAA MANTRI

Building GoalMate||SIH 2024||GfG Campus Mantri|| Campus Ambassador at MyGov || CMR Hackfest 1.0 Finalist ||1★ at CodeChef || Proficient in C, Python || Frontend web developer|| GVPW ||Content Writer ||
Report contribution
We all know that communication is the key. Tell your ideas briefly and clearly. Highlight the advantages and benefits . Tell the outcome of your idea. Also ask where it could be improved. This may help you.

Like

4 Adapt Flexibly

Adaptability is a vital leadership skill. If your idea is still not getting traction after seeking feedback and communicating its benefits, consider adapting it. Look for compromise or ways to integrate others' suggestions into your proposal. This shows that you're a team player and willing to work with others to achieve a common goal. Sometimes, a flexible approach can turn resistance into support.

Add your perspective

Suany Orrego Carvajal

|Mentora | Liderazgo de empresas | Miembro junta directiva | Empoderamiento Femenino | Conferencista | Mujer LIT | Circulo de Mujeres Semana Dinero|
Report contribution
Estar abierto a la retroalimentación agrega mucho valor y más si la adaptas a los comentarios de tus colegas. Algunas veces las personas tratan de defender la ideas de forma reactiva y esto no agrega valor y por más que la idea sea buena, el equipo no la toma. Muy importante ser flexible y adaptable

Translated

Like

5 Build Alliances

Establishing alliances within your workplace can be incredibly beneficial. Identify colleagues who share your vision or those who might benefit from your idea. By building a support network, you have advocates who can help champion your proposal. This collective support can often sway the opinion of superiors or dissenting colleagues, as it demonstrates a broader interest and potential impact.

Add your perspective

6 Persist Patiently

Patience and persistence are essential when facing opposition to your ideas. Don't be discouraged if your idea doesn't take off immediately. Continue to demonstrate its value through small, incremental steps and results when possible. Over time, as you build credibility and show the positive outcomes of your ideas, even the most skeptical colleagues and superiors may start to see their worth.

Add your perspective

Suany Orrego Carvajal

|Mentora | Liderazgo de empresas | Miembro junta directiva | Empoderamiento Femenino | Conferencista | Mujer LIT | Circulo de Mujeres Semana Dinero|
Report contribution
La persistencia y la paciencia son habilidades clave en un buen líder. Si empiezas a construir con tu equipo una comunicación clara y a presentar pequeños resultados asociados a tu idea vas construyendo confianza y ganando un posicionamiento que es clave para que adopten tus ideas

Translated

Like

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?

Add your perspective

Wendy Woolfork, MBA (Growth Provocateur)

Workplace Consultant | Creating Workplaces That Work | I uncover the root cause of productivity barriers so teams and businesses flourish | Founder, The Purpose Walk
(edited)
Report contribution
In my experience a lack of receptivity to our ideas can stem from inability to connect and land well with people, and from our ideas being deficient, i.e., falling short of what's needed to get others to embrace them. As well, if our delivery is arrogant or overconfident this tends to turn people off. To overcome this: 1) connect authentically with colleagues and superiors 2) keep humility handy, people aren't persuaded by arrogance or if we seem insufferable 3) listen actively to get to the root cause of resistance 4) validate any concerns rather than jumping to counterarguments 5) seek feedback, and try to make space for co-creation. So pull people in and you'll neutralize resistance by being accessible and a true partner

Like

What do you do if your colleagues and superiors are not receptive to your ideas?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Reflect First

2 Seek Feedback

3 Communicate Clearly

4 Adapt Flexibly

5 Build Alliances

6 Persist Patiently

7 Here’s what else to consider

Leadership

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

More articles on Leadership

More relevant reading

What do you do if your colleagues and superiors are not receptive to your ideas?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Reflect First

2 Seek Feedback

3 Communicate Clearly

4 Adapt Flexibly

5 Build Alliances

6 Persist Patiently

7 Here’s what else to consider

Leadership

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

Explore Other Skills