What is the best way to create a thriving environment when your manager continues to shoot down your ideas?

Every circumstance is different.  First, it always behooves us to look at our own behavior to see what might be provoking such behavior by our manager.  Are we going over the same issues with our manager repeatedly, not accepting no for an answer?  Are we presenting the ideas in ways that show how they would benefit the work, the team, the manager?  Are there better times or ways to present ideas to this manager?  Can you use any of the managing up tips (the County offers a course on this) to give feedback to the manager that you feel your ideas are not being heard and evaluated on their merits? Is there a way to give feedback to your manager’s supervisor so she or he can understand how his/her approach is making you feel?   The way you phrased this question implies that you have a pretty negative overall relationship with your manager. You can invite your manager to mediation utilizing the County’s Workplace Mediation Program which can assist in improving relationships in the workplace. If you have exhausted all the ways you know of to change the situation, you might consider looking for a position with a manager who would be a better fit for you.