[nostrademons]

Better is "Why aren't we doing X, Y, and Z to improve sales?" That phrases it in a positive tone, with concrete solutions, and gives the CEO an opportunity to tactfully tell you why your model of the world may be wrong.

Beware that very often the response is "Well, I never considered that, but it sounds like a good idea. Why don't you lead a project to do X, Y, and Z and we'll see how it turns out? Oh, and be sure to get your regular work done too."

[lotsofmangos]

Better still...

Remember that idea you suggested last week in the pub of doing X Y and Z. Well, we started doing it on the side and it is increasing sales. Should we start doing it officially?

[mpdehaan2]

Or better "have we possibly considered" vs "why aren't we doing" :)

[q2]

>>> Oh, and be sure to get your regular work done too.

In a fixed day, is it possible to do regular work and also extra projects?

I think, if offered solution appears reasonable to management,then some of daily responsibilities need to be shifted to remaining workforce temporarily till that pilot work gets completed.

[harryh]

I agree on both points. Though I would point out that #2 can, in some situations, be a big opportunity.