It can be very demotivating when you know your ideas would have a positive impact on your organization, and you can’t understand why nobody is listening to them. When this happens continuously, it’s not uncommon to feel that your manager may not like you, or worse, not have any respect for your thoughts and ideas professionally. For many, this deflated feeling is the catalyst for a new job search.

Before you go down the path of feeling defeated, it’s important to consider first how you are approaching the act of sharing your ideas. After all, if you have an innovative solution that will benefit your work environment, wouldn’t it make sense for leadership to at least hear you out?

Here are a few things to consider prior to presenting your “great idea”:

Timing. Do you typically discuss your ideas with your manager when you pass them in the hallway, or when they are on their way to a meeting? If so, your timing is probably way off. For your idea to be given the appropriate attention, it probably makes sense to get your manager’s undivided attention over lunch, or by scheduling a formal meeting with them. Requesting this time on your manager’s schedule sends the message that you have something you believe is important to discuss.

Communication Approach. Sometimes when someone is passionate about an issue in the work environment, or about a process they feel needs to be implemented immediately, it can sound like they are complaining rather than trying to provide valuable input. You never want the way you communicate to overshadow the business proposition and value you want to present. Also, please consider some of the downsides and other impacts your ideas may have on others in your organization.

Presentation. Create a formal outline, or slide presentation, prior to the meeting that not only outlines the business problem, or workplace issue, but also demonstrates alternative solutions. Be sure to include research related to time frame, costs, how ROI will be measured and what the risk of leaving things “as is” would be for your company.

If this sounds like too much to consider every time you have an idea to implement in your company, then perhaps you should question whether your idea makes business sense and withdraw your suggestion. After all, you are requesting that your organization use company money, time and resources, so painting an accurate picture of the intended results will be vitally important.

In conclusion, always take a professional approach when presenting your ideas. When you make a strong business case that highlights the benefits to an organization, their employees, and their clients, you have a much better chance of getting your ideas implemented. Even if the decision to move forward is a “no”, the professional approach you take will long be remembered for when you share your next idea.

Originally published on LinkedIn, September 2019.