Rather, it’s convincing other people that the solution is viable and should be implemented. And whether you’re sitting on a blockbuster idea yet or not, now is the time to consider your strategy.

Build Your Reputation in Advance

In order to diminish the perceived risk of an unusual or out-of-the-box idea, the person proposing it has to be a proven entity. That means that you’re established at the organization and have done well there. Your boss trusts you and you are on the short list of employees with whom everyone wants to work. You are known as the one who pitches in during a crisis, and the one who is a champion of smart internal initiatives.