This document provides advice on how to effectively pitch ideas in the workplace. It begins by acknowledging that the real world of work is complex with office politics and favoritism that must be navigated. It notes that to be successful, one must understand the implicit rules and find ways to work within or bend them. The document stresses that competence is important but connections and knowing how to position oneself politically can also lead to rewards over just raw skills or merit. It recommends that when pitching an idea, one should first clearly present the problem the idea addresses, then detail the proposed solution and its potential impacts, costs, and risks. The goal is to demonstrate how the idea can benefit both the individual and the organization.

1. How to Pitch Your
Ideas (at Work)
DAVID I. ADELEKE
@DAVIDIADELEKE
AUGUST 10, 2019

2. In an ideal world, the quality of your ideas will set you apart.
In an ideal world, the race would be to the swiftest, the battle to
the strongest, bread to the wisest, and wealth to the most
brilliant.
You come up with an idea that can make your company more
profitable, you pitch it to your bosses, your idea gets executed,
and you get rewarded for it.
INTRODUCTION

3. But we don’t live in an ideal world. We live in a complex,
prejudiced world, full of discrimination, favouritism, and office
politics.
In some ways, we’re living in a simulation and the rules for living
are already preset.
If you’re going to stand out, first you must understand the rules
and then, in your own way, figure out how to bend them or
make them work to your advantage.
MORE INTRODUCTION

4. It’s not often the smartest, most hardworking people who get
rewarded. It’s usually those who know how to place the game
and bend the rules to their advantage.
But you still need to know how to do the work because, usually,
beyond luck and privilege, it’s your competence or excellence
that will stand you out.
REALITIES OF THE WORKPLACE

5. Managers are more likely to listen to or gravitate towards
employees who mirror their personalities and tendencies.
You’re more likely to work under someone who’s self-centred
than someone who is accommodating.
MORE REALITIES OF THE
WORKPLACE

6. The implication of this is that, to progress, you often have to
think for 2 -- think about how your progress can benefit them
and you at the same time.
Ideas for the sake of ideas are often meaningless. But ideas that
solve cogent problems, those are golden.
STILL MORE REALITIES OF THE
WORKPLACE

7. How Then Do You
Pitch Your Ideas?

8. First, present the problem/loophole.
Make your bosses see the problem as clearly as
possible.
Highlight what ignoring it will cost the organisation.
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9. Next, present your idea as the solution.
Show the various ways in which your idea can be
applied.
2

10. Identify the different effects of your idea or its impact
on the company.
What will it cost to execute?
Who will be involved in executing it?
What are the potentially harmful side effects (if any)?
3

11. Thank You