Floating

There is a very fine line between being helpful and manipulative. Let me explain.

You want to float an idea to a small group of leaders. It is an idea you have thought through for a while and you think it has legs but you want to see how well people will react to it. But how do you pitch it?

If you want to pitch it as an idea you will almost certainly see through, then a presentation in some detail, anticipating questions and hesitations and dealing with them before they come up, is probably called for. A certain professionalism (say PowerPoint) or good handouts will help you, as will several quotes from your sources and other people who have tried the idea and made it work in their situation. Of course always acknowledge that you know all situations are different. Then you will appear well thought through but not a maverick.

If you genuinely want feedback, or to see if an idea will be resisted, then a certain light-heartedness is required. Your language needs to be flimsy; ' this may work', or 'I wonder if anyone else thinks...' Your presentation needs to be in note form or with a marker pen and flip-chart. You need to allow a good period of time for feedback and to try very hard not to answer people's questions (for fear of appearing too well thought through and as if you have already decided to do this thing which is 'just an idea'). If someone makes a point you need to thank them and ask if anyone else has anything to say.

You could try various shades in between.

Now the fine line is this; you are, of course, being manipulative if you pretend you haven't thought it through when you have. (If you pretend you have thought it through when you haven't you are being stupid, or you are me, although the thought of you being me sends me off into a philosophical cul-de-sac of musing from which I fear I may not escape before tea).

Phew, shook off that thought, anyway. Best bet is to say, 'I know this is a bit manipulative but I wondered how you would feel if...' then you have acknowledged that which you might be accused of but no-one will believe anyone could be that blunt so they'll think you were making a joke which wasn't funny.

If you are in the habit of making jokes that are not funny it will stand you in good stead.

That will be £200 for the training session.