If you’re a leader with a strong vision, you probably find it pretty easy to share what your organization will be doing next. But if you want strong buy in and execution, also make sure to explain why you decided this is the best direction.

To put it more simply, “what” is a lot more powerful when people understand the “why”.

Doing this successfully starts with being more curious about your own thought process. Ask yourself:

– What facts led me in this direction?
– What events or developments were most influential?
– What was my rationale?
– Which of my experiences led me to believe this?
– If others expected or wanted me to go in a different direction, are there specific reasons I shied away from that option?

In other words, show your work.

You’ll likely get even more buy in if you make it easier for others to relate to the ways you analyzed the situation and tried to evaluate all relevant facts and points of view. Even if you did not accept someone’s perspective, it will help them to know that you heard their opinion and took it seriously.

I am often deeply involved with clients who have pretty tough dynamics between some of the key executives. When I get involved, often it turns out to be a communication problem: too many things remain unsaid, or said poorly. Once they are explained and explored, tensions tend to ease up significantly.

Think of it this way: if you don’t explain what’s going on inside your head, how will others know? “Well, I just assumed they would know” frequently does not turn out to be true.

No one else has your life and business experiences. No one thinks just like you do. What’s clear to you can be fuzzy or misunderstood by others.

Describe your thought process. Share your logic. Take them step by step through the ways you made a big decision and you’ll get alignment much faster.