The Myths Surrounding Executive Buy-In

While there are obviously certain degrees of politics in every facet of everyday living - I have never been a fan of the term "buy-in". In fact I have a strong distaste for its implications, as it suggests that to get what you want, you somehow have to resort to a slight of hand con game, in which you manipulate someone into doing something they would not otherwise be inclined to do. - Project Management Expert

Right off the bat, how many of you reading this post agree with the above statement?

In my many years as an executive coach and personal branding expert, I have seen countless great ideas and opportunities for career advancement relegated to a could have been, should have been irrelevance.

When I use the word irrelevance, I am not talking about either the idea that is never presented to the people that can make it a reality, nor the individuals themselves. What I am talking about is the tree in the forest effect, in which an idea that needs to be heard falls into muted oblivion, lost among the trees of insecurity, self-doubt and an unwillingness to take risks.

Of course the inability or unwillingness to acknowledge, let alone address these factors that mute opportunity, are often obscured by what I call the myths surrounding executive buy-in.

Like the project management expert's expression of distaste for the term buy-in, there are too many people who remain on the sidelines of success by justifying their inaction as being a stand for integrity. They look at the buy-in process, or for that matter moving beyond their comfort zone to engage others in an effort to forward their ideas, as being political and self-serving. "Certainly" they reason "my work and track record will speak for itself, so why do I have to play games? Why do I have to be political?"

At the start of my seminar on "How To Be Politically Savvy", there are many in the audience who if not uncomfortable with the concept associated with the title, have a preconceived idea of what it means. Political + Savvy = Manipulative and Self-Serving.

Nothing of course could be further from the truth.

Being politically savvy, and having the ability to gain executive buy-in for an idea, is in reality an exercise in open and transparent communication centered around serving the interests of others.

Removing yourself from the equation

If you have the integrity to which you refer in not wanting to be political, you should also have the integrity to believe in your ideas and their merits.

We work in a world in which we are all called upon to be increasingly entrepreneurial in our careers. This means that you must think outside of the box and look for ways to better serve your organization. It means that you must not only come up with new ideas, but take a leadership role in championing them.

So do you believe in the value of your ideas? Do you honestly think that what you have to offer can make a difference? This is the critical consideration.

If you remove yourself from the equation, and separate your personal interests and insecurities from the merits of your ideas, gaining buy-in and the process this entails, becomes a selfless pursuit. I am not suggesting that you do not consider the benefits that can be gained from forwarding your ideas. What I am saying is that you make it about the idea and not yourself. Even though presenting and selling your ideas will mean that you will have to navigate political waters, you will be doing so from the standpoint of serving others.

This is the epitome of selfless leadership. By effectively dealing with the inevitable variables of personalities and competing interests, you are doing so not because it is the smart or advantageous thing to do, but because it is the right thing to do. Think about that for a moment . . . the RIGHT thing to do.

Outside the box and office

If you have ever taken a stand in your personal life, you will know what I mean when I say that something is the "right thing to do!"

Whenever I talk with people regarding my political savvy seminar, I ask them: "Have you ever taken a stand for what you believe outside of work?" For the vast majority the answer is yes.

I then ask the question: "What did this stand entail?"

While the responses themselves varied, the one common thread is that all took some form of A-C-T-I-O-N. This meant that they all stepped outside of their respective comfort zones to forward an idea or belief about which they felt strongly.

I then ask this one final question . . . are your ideas at work any less worthy of your same belief and support?

In today's post, I am posing this same question to you . . .

Do you know the difference between the fear of success and the fear of failure?

My guide How To Make 2015 Your Breakout Year will not only help you to recognize the common obstacles that befall all of us, it will also enable you to take action within the framework of your own unique gifts and abilities to make this year your most successful ever.

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