Execute Without Consensus

You know the drill. You have a breakthrough idea, so you start the rounds. First, you pitch to product. They like it but need engineering’s input. Engineering has concerns about the implementation timeline. You return to product with a revised scope. Then to sales, who want different features. Marketing needs clearer messaging. Finance questions the ROI model.

Three weeks later, you’ve collected a dozen conditional approvals. “Yes, but only if…” becomes the refrain. Then someone changes one requirement, and the entire house of cards collapses. You’re back to square one with another round of meetings, presentations, and another month lost.

This is the buy-in trap that kills innovation. You don’t need everyone to love the decision; you need everyone to execute it.