Inspiring Workplaces 
The Way Work Ought to Be!

#1,043 - October 16, 2024

One of my coaching clients recently asked me for support on how she could get better buy-in for her ideas from her rather skeptical, non-communicative CEO. Here are some of the ideas that I recommended.  

1. Do your homework! Be prepared with any relevant data that supports your case. Put your best foot forward by thinking of your pitch as a mini presentation. Include charts or an interpretive dance if it will help cement your position.
2. Build a coalition of support. Talk to colleagues so you can present a united front. You don't want to come across as though you are ganging up on your boss but showing that you have the support of other colleagues can help immensely. 
3. Use "we" language so you don't sound self-serving. 
4. Sell what's in it for them! How will this make their life easier or less stressful?  
5. Link it back to your company's values to demonstrate how your idea is aligned with your company's mission and values. Show that you are thinking first and foremost of what's best for the company and your customers. 
6. Sell the benefits of implementing your idea, as well as the costs/downsides of not doing it.  
7. Grovel. (Okay, I jest. Save this for extreme situations only.) 
8. Play devil's advocate to show you have done your homework and thought through any potential pitfalls. 
9. Lay out your contingency plan. What's plan B if your idea doesn't work? Can you do a trial test or soft launch to see if it works?  
10. Offer "recommendations." Recommending something is a gentler way to introduce a new idea.   
11. Use the word "willing." Everyone wants to be seen as being willing to do something, so asking if they would be willing to try out an idea can reduce resistance. 
12. Ask for advice. Everyone loves to be asked for advice (especially bosses) so leave room to ask for their advice.

Whilst (yes, I used the word 'whilst') I have your attention, I wanted to tell you about a special sale only available to subscribers (that would be you) for enrollment into my Culture Leadership online course. 

Sign up before the end of October for only $97.00. And if you sign up your team there's a far greater likelihood that the ideas will take root and be implemented! The course includes access to 12 video-based modules, 5 eBooks, and a slew of additional resources all available to you for one year, all geared towards helping you become a culture champion and creating a more humane, inspiring, and fun workplace! 

To take advantage of this offer click HERE and enter the code 'cultureleader' to get the discounted rate!