Three reasons to succeed

New ideas often face resistance. Whether it's from your own team or other departments, concerns and objections are a natural part of the innovation process. It's crucial to take these concerns seriously and analyze their validity. Are the arguments against your idea rooted in genuine flaws, fear of failure, a "not invented here" mentality, or perhaps a perceived threat to an existing product?

While considering these objections, encourage your critics to be constructive. A powerful strategy is to ask them for three reasons why:

1. The new idea will be a positive change. This prompts them to look beyond their initial resistance and consider potential benefits.
2. A product based on this idea can be successfully built. This shifts the focus from negativity to practical considerations and problem-solving.
3. The new product will be a success. This encourages them to envision a positive outcome, fostering a sense of ownership and shared responsibility.

By asking for these reasons, you achieve two things:

• Uncover hidden support: If they're hesitant to be seen as blockers, they might end up providing compelling arguments in favor of your idea, strengthening your case.
• Shift perspectives: Even if they remain unconvinced, the exercise forces them to engage with the idea on a deeper level, potentially opening their minds to new possibilities.

Validate!

Before moving forward, conduct a thorough SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) analysis of your new product. This will help you assess the viability of your idea and identify potential roadblocks. Perhaps the risks outweigh the rewards, or maybe your opponents have inadvertently provided you with the key arguments for success.

Turning resistance into action is possible. By addressing concerns head-on, encouraging constructive dialogue, and conducting a thorough analysis, you can increase the chances of your new idea flourishing.