What to Do If Your Boss Has Bad Ideas
I sat in a meeting with my boss and several other colleagues from the marketing department in one of my previous positions. The purpose of our meeting was to discuss our overall strategy – especially for social media – and to determine if there is something that can be simplified and simplified. We were a really small department. So, if we could save time and effort, we were all attentive.
This post was originally published on the Muse website .
Then my boss echoed his suggestion: “I know there are platforms we can use that automatically post all our Facebook posts directly to Twitter. Let’s take advantage of this – then we only need to worry about managing one account! “
I sat in my swivel chair at the conference table, cringing. I don’t consider myself a social media expert, but I knew enough to be convinced right away that this was a terrible idea . We had completely different audiences between the two accounts, which undoubtedly expected different messaging. And to be honest, whenever I saw a business use the same tactics, I just thought of them as lazy – which wasn’t exactly the reputation we were aiming for.
So I found myself in a quandary. My boss suggested what I thought – no, I knew – was a really bad idea , and I tried desperately to speak up and try to fix things. But I could not raise my hands well and shout: “What is this idiotic idea, Debra ?!” (Obviously, my boss’s name has been changed, but I really hope you’re reading this, Debra .)
I bet you’ve been in a situation like this at least once or twice before (this happened to me too often – after all, it was the same boss who suggested that I dress up as a deer for a corporate party. Reception). Just because someone is your boss doesn’t necessarily mean that he or she is constantly full of great suggestions – spoiler alert: Bosses have bad ideas, too.
But if you know what it feels like to bite your tongue when your manager is delusional and repeating an idea that he thinks is the absolute greatest, then you also know how frustrating it can be. Should you speak? Or should you nod enthusiastically, trying to get yourself out of trouble and stay on the good side of your boss?
Well, it depends on many things, including the specific idea and your working relationship with your manager. But to help you navigate these murky waters, here are four different strategies you can implement when your boss spits out an eye-rolling proposal.
1. Ask questions
Often – especially in meetings that are more like brainstorming – we tend to shout out an unfinished idea before we even have a chance to ponder the logistics behind it. We are so passionate about the spirit of innovation and creativity that we are more than willing to come up with suggestions out of the blue. We all did it – and there is nothing wrong with that.
What if that’s exactly what your boss is doing? Remember, most of the time your boss throws up an idea to gauge reaction and gather feedback – that doesn’t mean she’s making a strict “my way or highway” attitude.
In these cases, it can be especially helpful to ask questions about the proposal and seek further clarification about a particular idea. This will make the wheels spin and your boss thinks about his proposal in a broader context, not just in the heat.
More often than not, this is enough to completely kill the idea, and you don’t even have to say anything outright critical about its contribution. Phew – the crisis is averted.
2. Point out the disadvantages
You insisted on some additional details and you think it is quite clear that this idea is doomed to fail. Is your boss? Well, he might as well be standing on a podium with exploding fireworks and the American flag waving behind him – from the way he speaks, you’d think he just came up with the concept of sliced bread.
So now what? It’s time to poke holes in his proposal – courteously and professionally, of course. Remember, as unusual as his current proposal is, your boss is still a rational person (well, hopefully) who is willing to listen to logical arguments.
In the event of my social media predicament with my own boss, I might say something like, “I really love where you go trying to find a centralized platform to save us time. However, I think we would lose a lot of attention with our audience if the same message was posted everywhere. ”
See how nice it was, but straight forward? The key is to start with something positive – I’m sure you can find a grain of kindness in your boss’s words. Then pick one (yes, just one — you don’t want to feel like you’re ripping him apart) serious downfall and explain yourself. You will give your opinion and are likely to contribute to a productive discussion as well.
3. Suggest a similar alternative.
If you know enough to think the idea is terrible, chances are you have a better deal up your sleeve. So why not share it? This works best if your idea can at least somewhat draw on what your boss originally suggested.
Let’s take the fiasco with my boss and social media as an example. To use this strategy, I would say something like, “While I don’t think using the same message all over the place is the right way to go, I really think you did something with your suggestion to use a centralized Platform. It would be nice to check out one of them and see how it simplifies our team’s work. I’m happy to do a little research and start with what best suits our needs. “
It gives your boss his due and highlights the part of her idea that was actually solid, while also making it clear that you think the essence of her proposal needs a little tweaking.
Plus, you volunteer to work to make your own proposal a reality. Let’s face it – people are much more willing to join you when you’re doing most of the hard work.
4. Keep your mouth shut
I think that all three of the above strategies can be effective. However, only you can know how your boss can respond to constructive criticism based on your past conversations and interactions. And there are those rare cases (and, unfortunately, those bosses) that will fly off the handle only at the first glance at the opposition.
I hate to say it, but in such cases, you are probably better off shutting up – unless your manager’s new ingenious proposal is not enough to seriously harm your team or the entire company.
After all, your boss remains your boss. It is up to you to decide if you are worth any consequences for disagreeing. And if not? Well, just keep biting your tongue .
Awkward is the only word you can use to describe when your boss comes up with a terrible idea. You feel an overwhelming urge to voice your opinion. But on the other hand, you don’t want it to lead to strained relationships or resentment.
Try one of these strategies and you’re sure to get away from this conversation while maintaining your professional reputation – and perhaps even the best deal on the table!
4 Strategies to Try When Your Boss Suggests Something Terrible | Muse