Right Fit Leading: Collaborate BEFORE You Implement

Use collaboration when setting the “next” plan that will bring organizational success.

Leaders are often excited to create their grand plan either when they find that “best new way” or when they take over a new job and set out to improve things. In both cases, leaders expect their team to be just as excited about this new plan as they are. The same leaders may find disappointment when their team does not respond positively to the plan. If your people do not understand your plan because you have not adequately explained the purpose and procedures, they will probably be slow to jump for joy. More important, if the team has reservations and you have already set the new plan in motion, you may meet with strong emotions against this new initiative. You may encounter big problems if you do not socialize the plan with your team before implementing.

I am not saying that the leader must get approval of the plan from subordinates and colleagues. I am not saying the leader must achieve buy-in before the plan can work. What I am saying is that collaboration as the plan is developed allows the change to be built in, not bolted on. When people are given the opportunity to build the plan along the way they are far more interested and motivated to see it through to success.

The collaborative approach works because it keeps everyone on the same page and it identifies challenges along the way. This is about team.

How do you implement new plans?