Pilot projects: If the buzz is positive, then early setbacks are seen as expected. But if the buzz is negative, then each new problem confirms everyone’s beliefs.
A common mistake: Asking people on top to use their formal power to force people to work properly on your plan.
A common problem: People being used to the status quo.
Gaining Individual Commitment
Unless you have a really good relationship with the other party, you need to ask for a performance based commitment vs a promise based one. You do this by asking the other party to:
- Take a concrete action that
- Requires effort.
- Is freely chosen
- Is observed by or known to people other than you.
If they refuse, understand that this is really a “no” and you had a counterfeit yes. But first ask for their reasons just to make sure it’s not some detail.
You will be reluctant to ask for this. Do it nevertheless!
Shifting Priorities
Things change, and your project may drop in priority.
So to ensure the project isn’t deprioritized:
- Reaffirm shared interests
- Rely on relationships
- Create an important audience
- Build in accountability
The projects with the most accountability - tracked by monitoring systems, performance benchmarks and deadlines - tend to be the ones that survive.
Managing Politics
You must remain an energetic advocate!
Sometimes the battles are more about the impact your idea will have to existing power structures.
You have to play the “game”. Those who consider themselves above politics will be governed by those who play them.
Turf battles are sometimes so simple it’s simply the common label a group/team has.
When someone has something to leave, they will tend to be louder. And thus they often succeed.
Try to have open and above the board forums for the discussion of new ideas.
Below are various political moves you should attempt.
Find a Simple Theme That Captures Your Idea
The bigger the group you need to communicate your idea to, the more important it is to have a simple, clear theme that captures the essence. Get a slogan!
Get Your Idea on the Agenda. Create a Sense of Urgency
Score Small Wins Early and Broadcast Them Widely
Form Key Alliances To Broaden Your Base
Three groups to form alliances with:
- Power to decide
- Power to fund
- Power to implement
Create a Snowball Effect
Be Flexible: Respond and Adjust
Don’t just make your idea win. You have to succeed as well. Otherwise they’ll take the idea and kick you out of it.
Lock It In
Lock it through budget lines, job descriptions, incentives, etc.
Secure Appropriate Credit
If you try too hard to get credit, you’ll be seen as a self promoter. If you don’t, that has its own problems. It is hard to find the right balance.
The Matthew Effect from the Bible: To those who have, more will be given. And from those who have not, will be taken away what little they have.
Sometimes it is better to let someone more powerful than you take the credit. It will help the idea succeed. Often they will eventually give you the praise you deserve. But if they don’t, then don’t consider the following:
- Staying silent
- Confronting the boss
- Tooting your own horn
Solution: Get others to blow it for you. Others would be people who know you, like you, trust you, or owe you.
If that seems risky, it’s best to leave.