So far in this series, we’ve talked about the first framework for thinking like a CEO, The Back of the Envelope, and about the importance of character – yours – as the underpinning for zeal and ‘followership’ in your organization. 
But how do you actually create that kind of atmosphere? How do you “infect” your entire organization with the spirit to become, and continue to be, something extraordinary?
Probably, not in the ways that come first to mind. Like a speech or a study by smart outsiders. It’s more subtle than that. A lot more subtle … and here’s how it goes. Power packed persuasion starts with self-commitment. In order to get others committed, you need to be committed – totally and without reservation. It’s the only way you come across with credibility, particularly when the shifts you seek are big ones.
It also helps if what you are attempting is a “no going back” kind of commitment. Not something that people can try for a while, and retreat back to what they were doing if they don’t like it. Leave those initiatives to others. The last thing you can afford is to hang your credibility on trivial things.
That may or may not work. And won’t make much difference either way. Yours are the big ones. The “bet the farm,” and the “do or die” kinds of things. So, let’s say you’ve got a “jump off the cliff” idea in mind.
First, get yourself convinced that the future of your business absolutely depends upon it, by studying it diligently alone. People may be curious about what you’re doing. But that’s good. Let them wonder. Because then when you do let them know, they’ll be more inclined to go along with you because they know you’ve invested in it.
When you’re convinced, share your idea with your closest confidant. Not before! Seek his refinements and alignment. Then, ask the next closest members of your team to join the discussion. Then, ask them to enjoin their next closest reports. And so on.
You are the flat stone hitting a still pond. The ripples then radiate outward. And when the whole surface is covered with ripples, something amazing usually happens. What you had in mind will already be underway – or, perhaps, even done!
