During the fall of 2021, I had the opportunity to join the fabulously dynamic Lisa Mitchell for the inaugural talk on her ‘Talent Management Truths’ podcast. Besides being a blast of fun, that talk revealed the importance of momentum when jockeying for buy-in, especially from senior leaders. There is a trap that people can fall into when leading at all levels; that trap is the belief that buy-in must come in the form of a hearty and resounding “yes” from all stakeholders. Sure that kind of buy-in is bound to generate a few smiles and high-fives, maybe even a momentary feeling of elatedness which is great, though it is not the most common way of experiencing buy-in.
“Success is like a snowball … it takes momentum to build and the more you roll it in the right direction the bigger it gets.”
– Steve Ferrante
A more representative viewpoint is that buy-in is generated over time. I liken it to a snowball. Pack the snowball well, then lob it out among the people you are looking to gather buy-in from. Some will stare at the snowball before deciding they don’t want to play, moving on to something else while the snowball melts. Spoiler Alert: It reminds me a bit of the scene from Frosty The Snowman when, in an attempt to help Karen warm up, they get locked in the greenhouse and Frosty melts. Still to this day, it tugs at my heartstrings, but back to my analogy, we must go. There might be others who look at the snowball and see the potential it holds so much that they will start to move the snowball until it grows. When the timing is right, lob out another snowball and another, until eventually a magnificent snowman that all can admire and appreciate is built to last throughout the season – however long that may be.
Once upon a time in my career, I was given the opportunity to design, build, and facilitate an enterprise-wide leadership program in a company that was rather siloed and not all that interested in what someone from corporate had to share. Two leaders, in particular, agreed to join me on the journey and then a few more. For those not interested, I gave them space. After a cohort had passed through the full 18-month program with the involvement and support of a few senior leaders, it was time to engage a new cohort of participants and a new group of senior leaders sponsors. Word had spread, experiences were shared, and this time leaders came to me to inquire if they could support.
This my friends is the beauty of building momentum, the impetus gained by moving something. That something may not be for everyone all at the same time, however, there are likely some who will join you on the journey. It only takes a handful of committed individuals to create a force that makes something happen. Once that transpires, others will see the result, the outcome, or the impact, and want to join in. Welcome them with grace and gratitude because meaningful ideas that last have a ripple effect; make them available to others no matter where they joined you on the journey so that everyone can benefit when they are ready.
– Melissa Law
