7 Tips for Communicating Ideas at Work

Some of this is me, but most of it is advice I’ve received. All of it is really, really good.

• Never take anything personally. You are part of the organization; it is not about you.
• Line up your suggestions with the priorities of leadership. Work with your supervisor to make sure you are tracking with the kind of support that is needed.
• Before you send that email, ask first if the support would be helpful.
• Build up your social capital at work by participating in cross-team initiatives. Show your support for the community first, don’t just jump in randomly out of nowhere.
• Remember that people don’t like it when someone hogs the spotlight.
• In an organization, it is far better to come in with a plan to get others on board and let them own portions of the work.
• If at all possible, deliver a practical and repeatable process along with the concept.

By Dr. Dannielle Blumenthal (Dossy). All opinions are the author’s own.