As we go along my task is to introduce new concepts (words and images) as these ideas take solid form. As always, it is a learning experience to introduce new ideas to an audience, each of whom assimilate information in different ways. If you find yourself being a messenger and a catalyst here are five ideas for introducing new ideas.
- Show your ideas face-to-face. It takes time to walk the halls of a firm to visit with individual lawyers, but personal interaction makes a difference. Conversations will find the right path for each individual as they experience the “new thing” for the first time.
- Have a way of demonstrating new ideas both visually and in words. Each of us assimilates information in different ways.
- Say as little as possible. Give your audience room to comment freely. Your responses should reflect their comments, not what you “came to say.”
- Avoid feeling or acting defensive. People in general find different paths to identifying with and agreeing to new concepts. Oddly enough it is very much a personal thing. They are not struggling against you. I have found that most people want to get excited and be a part of bigger things.
- Believe in the bigger goal. The “new thing” is almost always part of a bigger story. It is too easy to get caught up in one step as if it is the beginning and the end -- but it’s not. Remember to present the "new idea" in light of its place in the bigger goal.
