So do you need help persuading a headstrong boss to see your point of view? What should be done when he is faced with such a persistent problem?
Well, you have two options:
1. You could sit down and have a pity party.
2. You could do something about it
This article deals primarily with the latter approach. So without further farewell, here’s what you can do:
• don’t be defensive
One of the best tips is not to lock yourself in a shell. Being defensive will only breed animosity and prevent you from being productive. Face it: Your boss isn’t going to agree with every suggestion you send across his desk. If he thinks he can do things better, maybe he should consider starting his own small business.
• go on the offensive
Write down some ways you can counter this problem. One way might be to think of ’10 ways’ to improve this or that. If you can show your boss that you are a “team player,” they will be more likely to listen to you in the future. First show that you can save the company money or reduce the amount of time it takes to complete a task and they will consider you an invaluable resource. By the way, you should be doing this anyway. You never know when a company will decide to cut back on the fat.
• Make it a collaborative effort
Ahh… the power of groups. Think of it this way: Are you more confident on the streets at night when you’re surrounded by a group of friends or when you’re alone? Harness the power of many to your advantage. See if you can’t get your co-workers in your department, and others, to side with your point of view. With them on board, your suggestions have more sticking power.
• Write a letter to your boss
Yes… that’s right, I said it. Write a letter to your boss describing how you feel, and perhaps see things from your point of view. If you’re not sure how to write this sensitive letter, get help from your spouse or trusted colleagues. Once you start writing, the energy will flow onto the page. Just be sure to edit and proofread before submitting. Print it on parchment paper to give it an authentic feel.
• Put on your detective hat
Are there competitors who have just launched a new product line? Do your competitor’s websites appear before yours in the SERPs (search engine results pages)? Do your competitors have a blog that is continually updated? What kind of content is in your newsletters? Start doing your research (ethically, I might add) and prepare a power point presentation for your boss. Compare with graphs and charts how the competition is doing things differently. It shows where your strengths are and which areas are killing you.
Do these things and I can pretty much guarantee that the days of having a stubborn boss are long gone.
