The secret to getting approval: get everyone to agree before you formally ask.

Pre-wiring means asking small, low-stakes questions incrementally — so when you formally ask, everyone already agrees.

Why does this matter? Because a formal presentation to cold stakeholders is a gamble. Pre-wiring makes it a formality.

A project lead asked 'What do you think of this approach?' to each stakeholder first. By the time approval was requested, it was unanimous.

Pitfall: pre-wiring that feels like manipulation. The key is genuine curiosity — you're co-creating, not steering.

Co-creation, not presentation. Let people shape the idea and they'll own it before you even ask.

Get buy-in before you formally ask. That's pre-wiring — and today you design yours.

Today's practice: pick a decision needing approval. Identify 2-3 stakeholders whose buy-in matters most.

Step 1: for each stakeholder, write one small question you can ask THIS WEEK — not your pitch, just a question.

Example: 'I'm thinking about restructuring X — what's your honest take?' Listen and adjust before your formal ask.

Commit: reach out to your first stakeholder this week with just one genuine question. Then listen.

Pre-wired decisions move smoothly. Your compass finds direction faster when you map the people around you first.