She Strengthens

Improving Workplace Processes: A Guide to Making Suggestions to Your Supervisor

As an employee, it’s natural to identify areas for improvement in your workplace. However, approaching your supervisor with suggestions can be daunting. To effectively communicate your ideas and bring about positive change, consider the following strategies.

Prepare Your Case

Before meeting with your supervisor, take notes on the specific issue you’d like to address. Writing down your concerns will help you clarify your thoughts and ensure that you don’t forget important details. This will also demonstrate to your supervisor that you’ve invested time and effort into thinking critically about the problem.

Gather Support

Finding a colleague who shares your concerns can be a powerful way to build credibility. If someone else has noticed the same issue, it’s more likely that your supervisor will take your suggestion seriously. Having a witness can also provide additional perspectives and insights that may not have occurred to you.

Timing is Everything

Consider scheduling a meeting with your supervisor at a time when they are most likely to be receptive to your suggestions. Avoid times when they may be stressed or preoccupied, such as after a meeting with a high-level executive. Instead, try to schedule a meeting during a relatively calm period, such as after lunch or before a meeting-free afternoon.

Presenting Your Case

When presenting your suggestion, focus on the positive aspects of your proposal. Avoid blaming or criticizing others, and instead emphasize the benefits of implementing your idea. Use specific examples and data to support your argument, and consider using visual aids such as graphs or charts to illustrate your point.

Offer Solutions, Not Just Problems

Come prepared with potential solutions to the issue you’re addressing. This demonstrates that you’ve thoughtfully considered the problem and are invested in finding a solution. Research industry best practices or seek input from colleagues to inform your suggestions.

Follow-Up and Follow-Through

After presenting your suggestion, ask your supervisor to consider your proposal and schedule a follow-up meeting to discuss further. Be sure to thank them for their time and consideration, and express your enthusiasm for the opportunity to contribute to improving workplace processes.