We’ve all thought: “If we would just do this hotel would be more successful.”
We assume great ideas come from highly talented people. That’s just plain wrong.
How do you start thinking about great ideas? Stop. Step back. What are 3 biggest challenges facing your boss? You already know the answer.
They have told you...multiple times. They have laid out challenges. Stated goals.
Boss needs to meet those goals before they can get promoted.
Help them. Give them reason to help your career.
We all hear about teamwork. Teamwork is helping others.
Spend 15 minutes thinking about boss’ job. When do you do this? Going to or from work is ideal. But any quiet time works.
Simple 2 Step Process
What is keeping your group from achieving the goal? Write down all the answers you can think of.
Then pick the easiest one to achieve. You want to look good. That means solving a problem quickly.
You are being paid to contribute. So start…by picking an easy one.
Most people want to start with a big issue. Big issues are big because they are difficult. Solve little ones. Then how to solve big problem starts to get easier.
When you offer small, meaningful solutions, you start to be perceived differently. That’s first step to recognition. To becoming valuable. To start being asked for your opinions.
So you’ve thought of way to help. How do you present it to boss?
Present solution as a suggestion. (No one likes being told what to do. Including your boss. Offering suggestions and asking their opinions shows respect.
Good way to start. “Have a minute? I’ve been thinking. We are having issue with ______________. Logical way to approach it is _________. Have we tried that? If so why didn’t it work.”
By stating solution as question gives boss opportunity to explain, if it has been tried before. That gives you opportunity to ask more questions. Now you are discussing issue with them.
If your idea has not been tried before ask your boss if it’s worth trying. Ask how you can help? Let them take credit for it. President Ronald Reagon said “It’s amazing what can be accomplished when you don’t care who gets credit.
Hopefully your boss will give you the credit. If not, boss still knows where the idea came from. In their mind you are the source. Remember your objective: To make the boss look good.
Your call to action: Spend 15 minutes this week. What can you suggest?
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Tom Ferree is the founder of Ferree & Associates and SecureEmploy, organizations focused on helping companies find exceptional talent and helping professionals advance their careers. Since founding Ferree & Associates in 1977, Tom has worked extensively with hospitality companies, executives, and rising leaders across the industry. Through SecureEmploy, he shares practical career strategies, leadership insights, and real-world advice to help professionals grow their careers and help organizations build stronger teams.
