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Clear the lane
The #WolffWay
W- Work ethic
O- Off time
L- Lead with integrity
F- Find your passion
F- Find a way
"Clear the Lane" is a powerful song by Rage Against the Machine from the '90s, but it’s also a great approach to effectively advocate for your team or organization’s needs and successfully get the job done.
Too often, we hear people complain about what’s missing—asking "Why don’t we have this?" or "Why don’t we have that?" But the answer might lie in what *you’re not* doing.
The reality is, decision-makers often don’t have the time to do the heavy lifting for your project. You need to take the initiative and get the ball rolling. Don’t just sit back and complain— you need to take action.
As one of my former bosses told me: "Do your homework before bringing an idea to me." Having been both a decision-maker and someone with an idea, I completely agree with her. To get what you need for your team or organization, you need to clear the lane of obstacles and present a well-prepared case.
Here are a few things to keep in mind when doing your “homework” prior to presenting an idea to a decision-maker:
1. Keep it Simple and Focused - Keep your summary concise—ideally one to two pages. Decision-makers are busy, so make it easy for them to understand the core of your idea.
2. Be Ready to Back It Up- Be prepared to answer any follow-up questions. Know the details inside and out.
3. Answer the Basics- Be ready to answer key questions:
Why?- Start with the "why". Why is this project critical to the mission? Why should the decision-maker approve it? Why should they support it financially, if applicable?
Who?- Who is leading this project? Who will be responsible for what? Who is managing timelines and accountability?
What?- What exactly is the plan? What resources will you need? What data or research backs up your idea? What’s the financial impact?
Where?- Where will this happen? Where will the resources come from? Where is the funding coming from?
How?- How does this align with the organization’s goals? How long will it take to implement? How will you adjust the plan if things don’t go as expected? How will you defend the project if it’s questioned?
While you may not always get everything you want, completing your homework will almost certainly earn you three things: respect from the decision-maker, a clearer understanding of your organization, and potentially new opportunities for growth.
Your goal is to clear the lane for decision-makers to approve your idea. Make it as easy as possible for them to say yes. Once the lane is clear, drive that project forward and get the job done.
