So you have strategy … how do you get it adopted?

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to share the latest thinking in how to get innovative ideas and new strategies adopted.

Design/methodology/approach

This article summarizes the model and techniques described in more detail in the book The Myth of the Mousetrap, How to Get your Ideas Adopted (and Change the World) by Anne Miller.

Findings

New ideas face four stages of resistance, in which people are blind, frozen, interested and integrated. In the first ideas are ignored because they do not fit, so you have to open their eyes, for example by changing their environment. In the second people are aware but insufficiently motivated. If you can give them a shock, connection and safety they will unfreeze. In the third, they are interested, but may oppose your idea, while in the fourth stage the new idea needs help to become normal, otherwise people will slip back into their old habits. All four stages must be addressed if ideas are to be adopted and changes to stick.

Originality/value

The paper helps busy executives learn new techniques to get their ideas adopted, and hence deliver results fast and make change stick.

Citation

Miller, A. (2008), "So you have strategy … how do you get it adopted?", Strategic Direction, Vol. 24 No. 7, pp. 3-5. https://doi.org/10.1108/02580540810877320