Yawn

I'm excited to talk about this month's topic.

It’s the buzziest buzzword in leadership. It’s thrown around in meetings, keynotes, and LinkedIn posts like a corporate mantra.

Gaining buy-in.

We’ve all heard it. We’ve all said it. But honestly? Yawn.

Let’s be honest—are we getting buy-in, or just saying we are?

Whether you're hosting a book club or managing a corporation, effective leaders know how vital influence is. It's easy to dictate and delegate through life, but the real challenge comes when we decide to build relationships and engender trust with others.

But why? Why do leaders care about rapport?

Because gaining buy-in (mental and emotional investment) from their followers yields unspeakable returns.

True success starts with trust.

But wait. You don't want buy-in for buy-in's sake. You want their emotional investment to be offered sincerely. And freely.

Let's explore the leadership concept of buy-in by looking at the literal financial definitions.

Forced Buy-In

When a person is required to make a purchase or investment due to circumstances outside their control or because the person who was supposed to sell them didn’t deliver on time.

Believe it or not, some people will follow you, regardless. And that's because they have to—they have no choice. There are circumstances beyond their control, e.g., bonuses, incentives, rewards, fear of consequences, etc.

This is the perfect time to explain that compliance isn't the same as cooperation. Your team may forge ahead because of what's at stake, but is it because they trust you?

Think about it.

Management Buy-In

When an external management team purchases a controlling stake in a company and takes over. These outside leaders believe they can improve the business, bring fresh strategies, and ultimately drive success.

Sometimes, peers or upper managers mentally and emotionally invest in you. They like what you're about and want to help improve things.

Or is this you? Perhaps you're leading a new team or joining a new executive team. Maybe you've been appointed project manager or decision-maker, and all eyes are on you.

You have the best intentions, but it doesn't mean your credentials are enough for people to garner trust and influence. Invite others in on your vision. Blend your perspective with theirs.

Want to drive big change? Help others be a big part of it.

Management Buy-Out

Current managers purchase the company they already oversee, doubling down on their belief in its success.

Now, this is you, but better.

You gain influence by taking on greater responsibility, holding yourself accountable, and owning the results.

This is the shift from tasks to trust, from management to leadership.

When people see this, they stay.

Leveraged Buy-In

When an external group or individual buys a company using borrowed capital instead of paying with their resources. This allows them to take control of the business without needing significant upfront capital.

This happens a lot. Team members trust a leader not because of their personal confidence but because of the confidence of their peers.

This is where strategy comes into play. You may not have to win over the entire team, just the ones everyone else trusts.

Voluntary Buy-In

Voluntary buy-in happens when an investor chooses to commit their money to an opportunity because they genuinely believe in its potential. There is no external pressure or obligation—just confidence in the investment.

Simple and brings us full circle.

People invest in you because they believe in you. You can captivate your audience and articulate a vision that includes everyone.

Buy-in is strongest when it’s voluntary—but as a leader, you have to make it worth their investment.

If “buy-in” is just a word you toss around in strategy meetings, your team is already asleep at their desk. They’ll put their money where their mouth is—but only if you’ve built something worth investing in.

Let’s move beyond the buzzwords and work together to transform your team, your mindset, and your results.

As you know, I am an instructor and executive coach. Partner with me and learn more about Ascend Leadership Consulting. #OnwardUpward