How to Propose Change at Work

Let's say your company has a process, product or service that is ridiculous. Let's say it's inefficient, dangerous or not profitable.

Let's also say that you've come up with a better way to do or produce it.

How do you get this change instituted? After all, there will people who oppose you (if for no other reason than to oppose you) and, whether your proposal does or doesn't win approval, you risk becoming "marked." That is to say, you could either be marked as weak or an SOB.

How you propose change is as important - if not more so - than the change you propose. In order to maximize the approval chances of your proposal - and minimize the possibility of professional backlash - keep these suggestions in mind:

Do your research. Before proposing your idea, do your homework. Make your case air-tight. Is your idea feasible? Can it drastically improve a process, product or service? Will it make or save wads of money for the company? Who will do what? Where will the supplies come from? What pricing structure will be used? How will this benefit the end user?

Target the right person or people. Who in the organization would give the final thumbs up or thumbs down? Who are the people between that person and you? In most organizations, you need to run it up the food chain. Unfortunately, one of two things can happen in this case: if one of the links in the chain says no, then your idea is dead; or they may steal the idea and present it as their own. As such, it's a good practice to get the names and contact info for everyone up to the decision maker.