DEAR HARRIETTE: I work for a company that provides little opportunity for growth and innovation. It frustrates me because I have some ideas that can really help streamline my company's productivity. I am hesitant to share my ideas because upper management has shot down so many ideas from previous employees. I think my ideas will be helpful to the success of the company. Do you think I should share my ideas even if upper management says no? --Progress to the People, Newark, New Jersey
DEAR PROGRESS TO THE PEOPLE: Don't let others' failures keep you from making your best effort. As you prepare your productivity pitch to present to upper management, pay close attention to what interests them. Notice when they seem interested. What topics grab their attention? What do they value?
As you assess these things, craft a presentation that keeps upper management's style, interests and concerns in mind. Make sure you have concrete stats and projections to back up your thinking. And, by all means, make your presentation short.