I recently spoke to a group of high-potential professionals. A woman we’ll call Sally asked me the following question:

“I’ve noticed that when certain colleagues of mine propose a new idea at a meeting, their idea is only new to some of us. Others seem to have already had time to contemplate it and form their views. Is this fair?”

Good observation, Sally. You have just taken your first step towards becoming a savvy communicator, by noticing that the savvy communicators in your peer group have learned the art of “the meetings before the meeting.”

Call it “getting buy in” or “forming an army” or “getting your ducks in a row”. Whatever you call it, learn how to practice it and you’ll be the one driving the agenda, rather than trying to catch up to it.

“Is it fair?” is probably not as important a question as, “Is it effective?” and the answer is an unqualified “Yes!” And for the record, I think it’s not only fair but essential to both honing your idea into one that is worthy of being implemented and getting the buy-in needed to get it implemented.

This process of bouncing your ideas off of trusted colleagues and building support for them by addressing others’ concerns is as old as the United States government. If you really want to see this process in action, watch any episode of “The West Wing” in which Josh is working to get a proposal through Congress. Or rent the movie “The American President” with Annette Benning and Michael Douglas. Even the best legislation that improves the lives of millions of people passes through the political process.

The same is true for your ideas and your corporation. There is a reason people often use the term “office politics”. However, the negative connotation of the word “political” is not always justified.

It can be much more straightforward than that. Let’s say you have a good idea -- an idea that could save your company money, benefit your clients and/or employees, maybe even revolutionize your industry. Don’t you think your idea deserves its best shot? I do.

Here are six steps to consider when building support for your next brilliant idea:

1. Identify two people you trust implicitly. You have history. They are invested in your success and would never steal your idea for their own advancement. They may or may not work at your company. Pass your idea by them first, to get the first reality check. Take to heart their feedback. Hone your idea accordingly.
2. Identify two people whose departments or jobs might be greatly impacted by your idea. If you trust them, share your idea with them and really listen to their concerns. They will be two of your most important backers. Incorporate any changes they request that are feasible and check back with them once you have. Ask them specifically for their support.
3. Identify two key influencers. These are the people colleagues often look to for a nod in a meeting. They’re probably those same people whose own ideas often seem to sail through meetings without headwinds. Pose your now twice-honed idea to them and let them know you are planning to float this at the next meeting. Consider their suggestions and incorporate any that are feasible. Then ask them specifically for their support.
4. Identify the one person who is really going to hate this idea. Pose your idea and listen to his/her concerns. Even if you are not able to make a single change this person suggests, or even if he lets you know he will not back your proposal, you have gained some political capital by seeking him out privately and listening. You have earned some professional respect.
5. If your boss was not included in any of the above conversations, it is time to go to him/her. I suggest a conversation first, but I also suggest you quickly follow-up with a memo. It is time your idea was documented with your name on it. Get your boss’ agreement to put it on the calendar for the next meeting. Ask for time to present it before your peers. Consider hand-outs if it is a complex proposition.
6. Ask yourself if there is anyone else it would serve you and your idea to bounce it off of? If you’ve already talked to everyone but a couple of the decision makers, it makes good political sense to go ahead and poll them as well. You might even want to send your proposal to everyone before the meeting. It’s your call.

I used this political process for several years successfully as a media executive. I rarely walked into a meeting without knowing who my backers were and where my opposition was going to come from. Consequently, a lot of my ideas saw the light of day and many of them produced significant good, if I do say so myself!

And there is an added benefit to this process that brings us back to Sally’s original question. The more you seek input from others, the more they’ll seek input from you. Pretty soon you’ll be one of those people around the table who has had time to contemplate others’ proposals and form your views in advance.

How about you? Do you have a good idea burning a hole in your pocket? Email us at: info@gabbettgroup.com or call us at 847-679-4604 to book a free coaching session during which I’ll help you begin to develop your strategy to bring that idea into reality. You don’t need a smoke-filled back room to make things happen, you just need a good idea and a good communication plan. Let me know how it goes!

Janie Gabbett is a communications strategist. She works with professionals to help them communicate their way to their own version of success – in meetings, behind the podium, or in critical one-on-one interactions. Find out more about how she can help you and your company at www.gabbettgroup.com.

©Janie Gabbett 2005