Get a Seat at the Strategy Table

Samantha Starmer sstarme@rei.com @samanthastarmer

http://www.flickr.com/photos/myklroventine/2475433404/

meweb and experience stuff: Amazon, Microsoft

REI – Recreational Equipment, Inc. lead IA, UX, IxD & analytics teamsteach at University of Washington

do you want your ideas to be

heard?

do you want to be a trusted

advisor?

do you want to be part of the

decision process?

know the big picture

http://www.flickr.com/photos/aatemu/4784742636/

know the big picture know your organizations’ strategic goals and

objectives understand where can your work directly

benefit those goals learn when and how decisions get made think about 5 years out and three levels up –

what changes? take an executive to coffee

lay pipe: the art of the pre-sell

pre-sell always be building a conduit for

your goals look for allies up, down and

sideways know who will oppose you, and

why all the important conversations

should happen before you propose a new idea

pick your battles

pick your battles focus on what is most important pay attention to timing – may be better to lose

this battle be patient be a team player - help advance others’ goals,

not just your own

offer solutions

http://www.flickr.com/photos/bettyx1138/3534902300

offer solutions good: problems are framed as

opportunities better: you bring proposed solutions

whenever you identify a challenge best: you come to the table with the

solution already implemented or underway

talk the talk

talk the talk listen more than you speak watch more than you present learn how your executives talk

what is important to them? how are they rewarded and compensated? what words do they use?

adapt to their language, don’t force them to adapt to yours

walk the walk

http://www.flickr.com/photos/mulad/142543881

walk the walk get comfortable talking to executives get comfortable with strategy keep your perspective on the big picture it should feel natural for people to come

to you with strategic questions

Just do it. Just be it

http://www.flickr.com/photos/baking_in_pearls/3960662314

thank you!!

Samantha Starmer sstarme@rei.com @samanthastarmer