I had virtual coffee with an IT leader client last week and she brought up the question of how to get buy-in to her vision from her teams?
As a leader of technology initiatives, success is measured by how well you take people to where they need to go. Here are my 3 guaranteed ways to get buy-in to your vision:
A vision with ‘Why’.
Job #1 is to create a vision that’s inspiring, connects with your teams, and articulates your ‘why’ (see Simon Sinek’s Golden Circle). It needs to be clear on what your team could be achieving and what it means to your customers. Airbnb’s vision is ‘To help create a world where you can belong anywhere so that people can live in a place, instead of just traveling to it.’
Focus on your influencers.
In my experience of digital change, 20% will love your idea, 20% will hate your idea and 60% will be on the fence. Focus on the 20% who love your idea and the 60% will follow. Listen to the 20% haters as objections will help inform your delivery but don’t spend too much time here.
Share progress and engage your teams.
People feel part of the vision if you keep them updated on progress. Get input and feedback on the vision as you go. Engage your team to help and contribute and they’ll feel connected to the vision as it’s achieved.
Questions to engage your teams:
Why do you think this vision is important?
Who benefits when we achieve our vision?
How will our vision improve your roles?