“I have to convince my boss to provide additional resources for a project I’ve been assigned. In the past, I’ve gotten tongue-tied and failed to get her support for a similar request. How can I get her to take my ideas seriously?”
That’s a question I often hear as a career and leadership coach. It usually comes from someone seeking to lead from the middle. Influencing up to obtain additional resources, or to impact a staffing decision, or to extend a deadline, or whatever, requires both a business rationale and a smart pitch. Influencing up involves helping your boss see the value of what you’re asking for and to encourage her to take action.
Four Steps to Influence Her to Say “Yes”!
See the world as your boss sees it.
It’s impossible to sell an idea without understanding your audience’s perspective. What matters to your boss and to your boss’s boss? If they are under the gun to cut costs, then frame your idea in terms of reducing expenses. If customer satisfaction is a hot issue, then frame your idea as a means to improve customer satisfaction. Remember the focus of your “pitch” depends upon the boss’s priorities, not yours.
Tune into your boss’s communication style.
Think about how your boss likes to receive information. Does she want to hear a narrative of the idea or prefers to see the numbers first? Develop a presentation that plays to her needs. Also, be aware of when are good times and bad times to make your “pitch”. Be attuned to her schedule, her demands and how much is on her plate.
Make it real and relevant.
There is nothing more powerful than taking your boss to the heart of the action. If you want to improve customer service, invite her to a customer focus group to hear the need first hand. If you are pushing to purchase new equipment, bring him to the factory and show how it can cut waste.
Be the messenger they believe not kill!
If you want to lead up, you must be perceived as competent, capable and connected. So, how are you perceived by your boss, your boss’s boss and even your peers? Are you considered a rising or falling star? What can you do right now to increase or enhance your personal credibility.
Smart Moves Tip
Influencing up, getting management to buy into your ideas and then act on them, requires personal confidence, professional credibility and skillful communication. Make sure you have all three. To enhance your leadership also see How Well Do You Influence and What’s Your Reputation?
Do you have a great idea that you want to “pitch” to your boss or to a key decision maker? Test it out on this blog and get my feedback.
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Good points. I do something similar — explain the world how the person you’re explaining it to sees it. Do they think it? Do they feel it? Do they smell it?
And when you explain, you be as vivid as you possibly can.
Right on Chris. You have a greater chance of influencing others if you see the world from their perspecitve.
Very true. In sales, influence is not seeing it but feeling it.
Sorry – typo on your name – Marcia.
Marica, super advice!! What’s a good way for people build credibility with their bosses (especially new bosses) so that when it’s time to make a big ask, they’ve earned the right? Thanks!
Thank you Carol. to influence others you need to b credible – they must trust you and your advice. Marcia
This is a very important and spot on article. You must be able to manage up. Without the support and influence of upper management you will not get anything done. You must be credible and present your ideas based on innovation balanced with knowledge.
Larry, totally agree! to get things done one needs the support of their boss, their bosses’ boss, etc.