Senior Management Buy-in Toolkit

Summary

Getting the buy-in of senior managers and other key stakeholders is vital for a successful retrofit project. To get buy-in, you must tell a convincing story. Facts and projections are not enough. People must feel the importance of the project.

This toolkit will help you create and deliver a compelling story.

Who should use the toolkit?

This toolkit is designed for project leaders, whose crucial role includes fostering and maintaining the commitment of their senior managers.

When should you use the toolkit?

From the beginning of the project, develop and use the project story. At each stage of the project, the toolkit can help you get permission from decision-makers to move to the next phase of development and delivery. From initial thoughts to outline, formal business case and delivery plan, and execution.

Your story will help you navigate each checkpoint and will grow with the project.

How should you use the toolkit?

The toolkit has three levels of increasing detail:

• Level 1 – a brief introduction

• Level 2 – a framework for understanding the main tasks in getting buy-in

• Level 3 – checklists and an explanation of each part of the framework with high-level guidance on what to do, together with templates, links to masterclass videos, and external reports and tools

If you are an experienced project developer and manager, you should go through Levels 1 and 2, complete the self assessment form, and examine the Level 3 checklists to ensure no aspect has been overlooked.

If you are less experienced, review all of Levels 1-3 (including the self-assessment form) and use Level 3 to help you cover areas where you need more support.

Recommended process

1. Read the information in Levels 1 and 2 to understand the basics

2. Take the self-assessment questionnaire to get a picture of your current areas of strength and weakness, and where you need to focus your attention

3. Use Level 3 to suggest key activities, tools, and ways to bridge any gaps