Readers of this article will learn what tactics they can use to effectively disarm and discourage such a saboteur and allow their ideas to be heard fully and ultimately win acceptance
Many a good idea has been sabotaged by a co-worker who, during a presentation, cuts right in to say, “That’s a good idea but…” Readers of this article will learn what tactics they can use to effectively disarm and discourage such a saboteur and allow their ideas to be heard fully and ultimately win acceptance.
Confusion. Your opponent raises questions or concerns that so muddle the conversation with irrelevant facts, convoluted logic, or so many alternatives that it is impossible to have clear, intelligent dialogue upon which to build support for your idea (“If you will look at page 46 in the document I just passed out, it suggests that market share in China will fall within three years, and if you go to page 58…”). The conversation slides into endless side discussions. Eventually, people conclude that the idea has not been well thought-out. Or they feel stupid because they cannot follow the conversation, which causes anger that easily flows back toward you and your proposal.
Reprint from Ivey Business Journal
[© Reprinted and used by permission of the Ivey Business School]