Navigating Change? Start with Your Network

Navigating Change? Start with Your Network

Here's something we learned leading innovation at Fortune 500s: The difference between a great idea that goes nowhere and one with transformative impact often comes down to who you bring along for the ride.

As Catalysts, we're wired for action. We see the problem, envision the solution, and want to sprint toward it. But cutting across silos and hierarchies to break down resistance and build support? That can feel like wading through mud while juggling chainsaws.

We get it. When Shannon launched Vodafone's Innovation Champion program, she had to transform it from a passionate few into a CEO-backed movement. The secret? Understanding precisely who needed to be involved and how they could contribute.

That's why we created our Network Map tool. It's not just about documenting stakeholders - it's about strategically identifying who can amplify your impact and creating an exchange of value that builds lasting allies. Because true transformation isn't a solo sprint - it's orchestrating a movement.

Ready to turn your network into your superpower?

This Way to Alliances and Understanding

The Network Map helps you find and activate the right allies, even when your Catalytic idea cuts across the official hierarchy. It provides a map for the conversations and conversions you’ll need to make to bring your Catalytic idea to life. Here’s how to get started:

Map Your Network:

• Clarify your goal. What are you trying to achieve? Whose approval and resources will it take to move forward? Back in January, we gave you the Problem Framing and Vision Iteration tool you can use for this step.
•  Draft your Network Map. With that clarity, ask yourself who might be the decision-makers, influencers or resistors for this idea (more on role descriptions below). 
•  Validate roles with observation and discussion. Talk to them to validate your assumptions and ask for others who could help. You’ll know if someone’s a resistor, but you might need to directly ask decision makers whether they have means and authority to fund your project.

 
This Way to Alliances and Understanding

Titles and roles aren’t the same, which is why it’s important to work not only the official approval channels but also the unofficial lines of communication and influence that get things done in most companies. Below are definitions of each role:

• Key Stakeholder: They’re directly impacted by or invested in the change or idea you’re proposing. They may see it from a different perspective or prioritize it differently than you do; listen to their thoughts and concerns.
•  Decision Makers: They have the authority to approve and prioritize action. They hold budgets, allocate resources, or set strategic goals. While it may seem logical to go directly to them to move fast, we recommend considering the Influencers...

“Certain people are portals to other people – they can connect you to more and bigger networks.”
 Jay A. Conger, as quoted in Move Fast, Break Shit, Burn Out

 Influencers: These valuable folks shape opinions, perceptions, and decisions through expertise, credibility, or relationships without necessarily having formal authority. As Catalysts, we often run right past the Influencers in our quest for “formal” approval – don’t! They may be your portals to success.
Endorsers: This is your cheering section, publicly or privately championing your initiative, lending credibility, and helping gain buy-in from key stakeholders and decision-makers.
Resistors: Somebody who’s opposed to change (specific to your idea or in general), who creates obstacles due to perceived risks or misalignment with priorities. Resistors can sap energy and kill momentum, so it’s important to determine what other role they might play in the process. If a Resistor is also an Influencer – work their concerns together. If not – don’t waste cycles trying to get them on board.
Catalysts: That’s you! A visionary change agent who rapidly identifies opportunities, drives innovation, and challenges the status quo to accelerate transformation. What a bonus if you find yourself building a team that includes like-minded people, but it may also mean they take your idea in directions you never expected. Be prepared.

Shannon and Tracey’s Tip: in large organizations, or if you’re new, start by mapping roles by team, then find the precise individual you need to work with.

Bottom line? As a Catalyst, you’re constantly pushing for change. But how do you make the case, gain buy-in, and ensure your initiatives stick, even when moving forward in unfamiliar territory?

A Network Map helps you with the first step of identifying the coalition you need to build, and understanding what it will take to do so.
 
Jumpstart Your Transformation

•  Have a question or need help while completing your Network Map? Simply respond to this email, and we’ll be happy to help!
• Want to get more tools to help you lead change in your organization (and meet a lot of other great Catalysts like you)?

Check out our Catalyzing Organizational Change Course. Want to get some deeper dives into a variety of Catalyst-inspiring topics? Jump to our podcast page.

Be Bold,
Shannon and Tracey