Coaching in Analogies #9: Make sure you have the votes

We introverts don’t love surprises. Being put on the spot in a meeting is a joy for verbal processors, but for those who are a bit more reserved or need time to think things through, it can lead to disaster. It can make coming to a meeting feel like being unprepared for combat, even if you’re the one leading the meeting.

I had a client who was struggling with some of these dynamics when I brought in an analogy from my past work life. In legislative politics, you don’t want an antagonistic lawmaker to consign your bill to the dust heap or amend it beyond recognition. You want to know it will pass before you put it on the floor for a vote. Or, if you’re trying to kill a bill and don’t want your fingerprints on it, you bring it up for a vote when you know it will fail.

The same can be true for any company meeting that you’re driving toward a known outcome. Find out who your supporters are, and who you need to spend more time with to win their support. Who has the ultimate veto power? Who will have a speaking role, and who will signal their assent from the sidelines? How important is visibility for you here? Does it make sense for you to be the standard-bearer, or should someone else with more stature or credibility take the lead? If the outcome you’re seeking is to keep a bad idea from rising into fruition, the process is the same.

This is harder work in a virtual environment, of course. You won’t be able to simply commandeer a conference room a few minutes early with a key player or two. It makes intentional, offline conversations even more important. Putting more time and space around preparation is something to consider.

Coaching prompts:

• What is my desired outcome, and how can I make sure I get it before the meeting?

• Who are my key stakeholders who can help accomplish my outcome?

• What will these stakeholders need to be comfortable speaking up for what we all want?