How effective are you at getting your recommendations approved?

Our reader poll today asks: How effective are you at getting your recommendations approved?

– Extremely — I always get approval on the first try: 7%
– Very — I usually get approval but sometimes it takes a few tries: 69%
– Somewhat — I get approval but it’s a challenge: 18%
– Not very — I rarely get my recommendations approved: 5%
– Not at all — My recommendations never get approved: 2%

It’s all in the pitch. You’re pitching ideas all the time. The key to getting that pitch approved is making sure your communication approach is tailored to your audience. This includes thinking through that stakeholder’s “button” to determine what will spur them on to action. Remember – different stakeholders have different buttons. That means you’ll need separate communications for each. Focus on what gets their attention because that’s how you get their support. One size doesn’t fit all – it usually fits none.

Do you agree with these poll results? Let us know in the comments below!

– Mike Figliuolo at thoughtLEADERS, LLC

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These results were originally a SmartPulse poll in SmartBrief on Leadership which tracks feedback from more than 200,000 business leaders. Get smarter on leadership and sign up for the SmartBrief on Leadership e-newsletter.