All of us have been through the pain of finding a “creative boss” trying to squeeze out an idea every second. And generally speaking this is not a bad thing because constant challenge and innovation is a touch that only few people have and results in development and, in some cases, in very bright improvements. But as visionary leaders can be exciting, fun and innovative, they can also be so pervasive in asking that there’s no way to deliver all their requests.
Saying no is not clearly an option, so a different tactic is needed.
The more you give the more you receive
If you find yourself overwhelmed by your boss ideas and requests, you’re most likely to receive more. If you’re not careful, this is a difficult loop to be in and risks to create even more requests, because if you deliver you become a “trusted deliverer” which will target you with more activities to fulfil. And we are not talking about “avoiding work” because could be that the ideas you help to implement are also brilliant; we are talking about going for the target and sinking under the weight. Be frank with your manager about how much you can carry on your shoulder and plan the rest in priority.
Not all ideas are equal and have the same timing
All ideas need to be analysed and, at different times and if valuable, fulfilled.
And this is really the key: analyse all and activate only those that are really valid. Try to list them connect them, find a common ground and then on a regular basis, prioritise them with an appropriate planning. You will discover that not all embed the need to “do them”.
After planning, be constant in updating…
…and updating means also updating on the amount of time required to execute the plan and related tasks.
If your manager is a balanced person, will be challenging but will understand how long activities will take and will also understand the cost embedded to them. Which puts feet on the ground for both you and them on what is the impact on the financials.
If the idea is a good one, will be worth investing on it but, at the same time with consciousness of the related planning and costs.
