How to Get Buy-In from Your Team

Almost nothing I love more than a good flow chart that shows how the work "flows". And I have generated some pretty amazing workflows, if I do say so myself. However, no matter how colour optimized, or easy it is to follow on paper; no matter how much sense it makes and no matter how good it feels to test run the flow, if your team is not using it, then it doesn't matter how beautiful or theoretically efficient it is, it is a waste of time and energy and only slows you down.

On the other hand, a rough sketch on a napkin between colleagues over lunch -

when shared and implemented properly with the team - can yield the results you're looking for. It's not about the complexity or the perfection of the idea, it's about creating something your team can get on board with.

This to say, it's not so much about what you build, as it is about how you build it.

We’ve spent the last two weeks talking about building a clear vision and a strong culture. 

However, nothing in business operates in isolation, it's all pieces to the greater puzzle. The piece we're talking about today is: If your team isn’t bought in, none of what you built matters.

You can't build anything of substance, on your own. There will come a point that without other people you will stall, or fall backwards. To build the dreams that scare you (and excite you) you need to rely on others. You can have the best systems, the clearest values, the most exciting vision… And if your people are just “showing up for the paycheque” you’ll never get the performance, engagement, or ownership you need to really take flight.

Here’s how to turn employees into believers, people who want to build your company with you, not just work for you.

Why Owners Struggle to Get Buy-In

• You assume buy-in happens automatically: what's clear in your mind, is not clear in anyone else's, unless you are intentional about how you share it. 

• You “tell” the team the vision, however, you don’t involve them: just sharing the vision is not enough, people need to see their role in the vision - how does your vision help meet their hopes, dreams and desires? 

• You don’t reinforce the message consistently: you're not living the values or mission you speak of, it only happens at team meetings on a quarter - or annual basis and forgotten in the day-to-day in between.

Buy-in isn’t about explaining your plan. It’s about connecting it to what your team cares about. Think about the last time you were listening to something that had your full attention, the time you were hanging on the words that were coming next. Was that person telling you this point and that point or were they telling you a story that you could feel and connect with personally?

When we understand how humans operate, what drives us to respond, it becomes much easier to communicate in a way that pulls them in. We are emotional beings. Connect to the emotion of your people (what's important to them) and you build a team driving your mission almost as strongly as you are.

4 Ways to Create Real Buy-In

1️⃣ Involve them early: Ask for feedback. Give them a voice. Let them shape parts of the vision and culture they’ll be living in.

2️⃣ Paint a picture that includes them: How does the vision help them grow? What’s in it for them when the company wins?

3️⃣ Reinforce it relentlessly: Share stories. Celebrate wins. Connect daily decisions back to the vision and values. Over-communicate until it sticks.

4️⃣ Give them ownership: Buy-in doesn’t happen without trust. Give your team clear responsibilities, and let them own the results.

If you want your business to run without you, you need people who believe in the mission as much as you do. Everyone will have their own reasons, understand they are doing it for their own outcomes, not yours. When you understand that, support that and are driven by their success, you too will experience the success you're looking for.

PS: Want to learn more about getting buy-in from your people? Let’s connect! Reach out to me on LinkedIn or visit ThriveHQ.ca to explore how I can help your business thrive.