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. 

1. 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?

2. 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?

3. 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?

4. 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