Creating win-win in the workplace

Some "win-win" situations are anything but on closer consideration. Say you are assigned to work with a respected leader on a plum project. You have an opportunity to prove yourself while learning from the best.

But how can you shine in that person's shadow? And is there room for innovation? What if your great idea runs counter to the bigwig's thoughts and theories?

For the success of the project, finding a solution is more important than being right. And for the success of your career, gaining respect from the anointed expert is more important than upstaging him or her, says Russell Bishop, author of "Workarounds That Work: How to Conquer Anything That Stands in Your Way at Work" (McGraw-Hill, 2011).

If your genius is not taken seriously by an authority on the subject, "It's best to remain respectful and present your idea in a way that acknowledges rather than challenges his or her expertise," Bishop says.

For example, you can show how the other person's body of work informed your idea, and how his or her ability and influence are necessary to make your proposed solution viable.

Seeking buy-in or support from your immediate supervisor may help keep your idea on the table long enough to get scrutinized instead of automatically dismissed. Your boss or mentor might also suggest ways to make a more persuasive case for your idea. But it's important that your boss sees initiative coupled with a willingness to learn, Bishop says.

Stay focused on the solution instead of how the other person stands in the way of it," Bishop advises. In doing so, you're more likely to press on with a great idea, or let go of an idea you're pursuing out of stubbornness.

The key is choosing the right time to push, and doing it appropriately," says Paul Sorbera, president of Alliance Consulting, headquartered in Philadelphia. "It's like a trump card. If you use it at the wrong time, management may turn a deaf ear in the future."

If you are more interested in finding a solution than appearing right or superior, the outcome will reflect well on you as part of the team, regardless of whose idea prevails. That's a win-win situation.