How to Gain Buy-in

Projects and initiatives need the support of managers and staff in the company to make it a success. Read our tips below to learn how to gain buy-in.

Be prepared to answer questions:

Why is it important to achieve the goal that the project will achieve?
Why is this project the best way to achieve the goal?
Anticipate challenges
Will people generally dislike or like the project? What can you use to overcome the dislike?
Are there any rules or assumptions in the company that the project will challenge?
Is your project in competition for resources with other on-going projects? How will you convince others that your project is a better use of resources?
Is your project similar to any projects done successfully or unsuccessfully before? How will you build on or learn from previous experience?
Identify the stakeholders in the project
Who will benefit from this project?
What is the power and influence of the stakeholders in helping or disrupting the project?
Who are the internal customers who will benefit from the project?
Do you need to consider external stakeholders such as suppliers or customers for this project?
Communicate with stakeholders
Gain commitment in support from important stakeholders
Respond to criticism and feedback to overcome resistance for your project
Set expectations for your project and keep your stakeholders informed of changes from the start to the end of the project