How to Sell an Idea to Your Boss

"My problem is not how to be innovative. The problem is how can I convince my boss to invest in our ideas?"

One of the hardest challenges for creative people is how to win top management's support for their ideas. Many feel that their plans are killed not because they have poor potential but because their boss simply does not understand them or does not even listen to the presentation. They feel disappointed and dream of working with CEOs, who often invest in breakthroughs.

One of many solutions to this problem is to have your boss on-board long before the idea comes up. Top executives who successfully promote innovation hardly invest in unexpected breakthroughs. They are actively involved upfront.

These are some points to start the interaction in the innovation process :

1. Get an endorsement to investigate a business challenge.

2. Design the innovation process together.

3. Update top executives frequently.

4. Involve top executives in the creation of the solution.

I'm not implying that if you follow these steps, the idea that you ultimately propose will or should be accepted. But your boss will definitely have a better understanding of your proposals.

In summary, if you're pursuing radical innovation, do not sell the idea. Sell the process.

http://www.businessweek.com/managing/content/aug2010/ca20100831_867890.htm