Three is the Magic Number

Problem:

The moment when a new idea is conceived is incredibly energizing.  The moment when a boss shoots it down is not.  In my experience, having a strategy to manage this situation is key to getting the approval needed to move the project forward.

Solution:

In this post, we will present a universally effective “three-ory” as an approach to deal with this problem.

I have long believed that the number three played some sort of mystical role in my graduate career.  I did 3 rotations in my first year; I didn’t get any data for 3 years; and I graduated with 3 dollars in my bank account.

But there was one set of three that worked to manage the boss time and again for both myself and colleagues in other labs.  The trick to getting support for new ideas is to gently plant the seed in your boss’ head and then carefully nurture it over the next month.

Try it yourself:

Step 1. Present the idea
This needs to take place in a one-on-one meeting where the focus of the meeting is not to present the new idea.  Begin by showing the data on your current project.  Somewhere in the middle, let the idea slip out- “I was thinking that we might be able to…”

This will fail.

Expect something along the lines of “I don’t think that’s a good idea, you need to be focusing on the experiments we’ve talked about.”  When rejection comes, don’t get flustered.  Instead, calmly say “OK, that makes sense” and move seamlessly back to the real reason you’re having the meeting (your data).

The seed has been planted.

Step 2. Re-present the idea
Wait at least two weeks to set up this meeting.  Again, casually let your idea slip out somewhere in the middle of the meeting.  Expect more of a thoughtful response this time.  Something like “Well…that’s possible, but for now let’s focus on….”

Beautiful.  Right where you want them.  The soil is moist and the sun is out.

Step 3. Re-re-present the idea
Again, flowers don’t grow overnight- wait a couple of weeks after the second meeting.

Present the idea casually, then sit back and watch the flower bloom…

What’s magical about this step is that often times the boss will actually take credit for the idea.  But hey, you got the green light you were looking for, so who cares? In the end, although you may be “just a grad student “ or “just a postdoc”, sometimes the boss is not the only one who needs to manage a situation.

What strategies have you implemented to win the boss’ approval?  Any horrible backfires?  PI’s – want to weigh in and share how we can present our ideas more effectively?