Making Suggestions

I had a previouss write-up in this blog regarding making suggestions. Here is a updated version.
 

Any organization will benefit greatly if they have staff with initiative providing suggestions for improvement. Staff whose suggestions are accepted will be highly motivated by this, and, in my view should get suitable recognition, though, it needs to be said that staff whose suggestions are not accepted will be frustrated and will grumble.

Hence, the objective must be to increase the number of good quality suggestions, making rejections unlikely.

Here is a guideline, feel free to give a copy to your staff, for making good suggestions (I added some ‘smart’ explanations for better understanding)

1. Describe the critical issue – facts only
This is crucial. Crystal clear understanding makes solutions so much more obvious. Every psychologist will confirm this.

2. Find a number of possible solutions
Careful, typically we are pressed for time, and we accept the next best solution to ‘plug the hole’. Often, the first or most obvious solution is not the best!

Also, it is very common, that one solution dominates our thinking and doesn’t allow other ideas to surface. Then take a step back and relax. You must find your own way of relaxing. For me jogging works very well, others meditate. When you relax your brain cools down and allows other ideas to surface. Surely you had the experience of an idea coming to you ‘out of the blue’.

So, many solutions are wanted

3. Choose a solution
Explain the rationale behind your suggestion.

4. Think through the implementation of your suggestion
Any potential ‘hiccups’ will surface and can be addressed.

5. Do a cost vs. benefit calculation
This is not always easy, but give it a go. Keep in mind that very likely your organization has limited resources, money or people’s time, and can only support ideas which promise good returns.

6. Do a risk-assessment
What risk is involved when implementing the suggestion? Or, are there any risks in NOT implementing the suggestion.

If there are risks, can these be mitigated?

7. Hand in your suggestion
There are two types of people, one type wants fast closure (fast decision makers) the other type can live with ambiguity (slower decision makers).

If you are a fast decision maker, have a good night’s rest, review in the morning, and if you still think it is a good suggestion hand in your suggestion.

If you are a slow decision maker, then you very likely have done a thorough job already. Hand in your suggestion now!