The Idea Person, An Invaluable Employee
“I can’t understand why people are frightened of new ideas. I’m frightened of the old ones.” - John Cage
In 2003, the Washington Post ran a story on the value of employees who take risks and share ideas for company improvement and growth. Randall Thacker, a 30-year old MBA student intern became an idea person for Morris Associates, Inc., a career management and outsourcing firm in the District of Columbia. Originally hired to explore growth options, Thacker’s ideas have gotten him noticed by the company president who says Thacker, “I’ll listen to a lot of what he thinks.”
Wouldn’t you like to be an employee whose boss listen s to a lot of what you think? It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to determine that an employee who captures his boss’s attention is valued. And while most employees have ideas, some more outlandish than others, that’s not all it takes to become an idea person. Here are five tips for coming up with good ideas and presenting them in just the right way to get your boss’s attention.
1. Take Risks
“Risk-taking is the essence of innovation.” - Herman Kahn
To become the idea person you must take risks. Sharing your brilliant ideas with management can be an intimidating and even frightening task. But if you’ve done your homework, and believe your idea can positively impact your organization, the risk is minimal compared to the potential reward.
2. Educate Yourself
Once you’ve decided to become an idea person, you’ll be surprised at how quickly you’ll begin coming up with ideas. But just wanting to come up with ideas isn’t always enough. You;ve got to educate yourself.
Read Widely - Everything from academic journals to pop-culture magazines can expose you to fresh ideas that can positively impact your organization
Attend Conferences - This will expose you to hot topics and new trends. You may find that your greatest aspiration is in listening to others share their great ideas.
3. Listen and Observe
“We have two ears and one mouth so that we can listen twice as much as we speak.” - Epictetus
We’ve all been in meetings with the self-proclaimed “idea person” who does all the talking and none of the listening. Inspiration often comes with the exchange of ideas, and that requires one to listen and observe. What are some issues that need special attention? Is there a current problem that needs a solution? What division needs the most help? You can’t come up with any answers until you’ve heard the questions. You can’t provide any solutions until you’ve seen the problems. And don’t be afraid of other idea people - they can be your greatest source of insight.
4. Identify Idea-Shapers, Those Who Can Help Tailor An Idea For Your Organization
You may have an award-winning idea in your back pocket, but it does no good if not catered to your organization’s needs. In order to fime-tune even the best idea, you shoul look to idea-shapers within your organization. Senior employees, or even management-savvy individuals can often help you tailor your idea and your presentation of that idea to your boss and his/her interests.
5. Determine The Best Approach For “Idea Delivery”
Sometimes politics determine how well an idea is received. Does management expect senior officials to deliver the “ideas,” or does it appreciate input from all employees? You should also consider the best nethod for idea-delivery. Should it be presented in an email or memo, a powerpoint presentation in staff meeting or possibly a private meeting with your boss. The more you listen and observe, the better prepared you’ll be to give your idea the packaging it deserves.
Don’t be afraid to share your ideas. Randall Thacker, the intern showcased in the Washington Post, said, “You’ve got to be willing to take the risk that not all your ideas are going to be accepted. If you’re not honest with yourself, you’re useless.” you’ll find that some won’t be well-received, but as Robert H Schuller once said, ” Success is a matter of not quitting and failure is a matter of giving up too soon.” Even if one idea of every ten that you share produces positive results, you’re contributing to the success of your organization. And that alone make any employee valuable.
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