I have good ideas, but should I share them with coworkers?

Question

I have good ideas about how to work at my job and improve things, but I don't know if I should be the idea person as it may be threatening to my boss.

I always work to help, rather than be a one-upper, but I also need to be sensitive to others as well.

My boss doesn't seem to not like my ideas/suggestions, but if my gut tells me I should watch how to move, I try to listen (haven't done it in the past).

I don't know if this will affect my chances in my getting raises or bonuses. My boss's boss doesn't like me and I'm not sure who decides what. I don't work directly under my boss's boss (obviously), so unless she's told of my efforts, she won't know them.

I don't want to take more on and look like a doormat, and think it's good to come up with solutions and have initiative.

Please help me in what's best to do in the workforce.

I'm afraid of my ideas being stolen by my supervisors too...Not a good thing to go in thinking, but it's always a possibly.

What to do?

Answer 1

One of my coworkers offered a suggestion to our boss as though it was his. The idea was mine, but it contributed to the overall success of the operation so I let it slide. The guy that stole the credit was the type that needs to do that sort of thing to "pat himself on the back". Fortunately, my boss saw right through the guy, because he didn't have the "stuff" to back it up.Don't worry about your boss's boss.Just do your job the best you can.

Answer 2

I think some ideas and suggestions voiced in the work place show your commitment to work, and that you care about the 'company' or co-workers if it affects them. Generally speaking anyway. Every situation is different, but don't be scared. I've said some pretty stupid things sometimes, or had ideas that no one listened to, but just the other day, i said something my boss really liked, i could see from her face straight away that she was impressed and it shows my how much i care about the work.

Answer 3

As an employee you should bring up any ideas that would involve procedures in the workplace directly to your supervisor and let them review and implement them as necessary. Any attempt to circumvent this process will not help you, as your supervisors are responsible for your performance evaluation, not your co-workers. If you are not happy in your position as it is, it is possibly a good time to start looking around for a position elsewhere that you would find more amenable.