Unleashing the Power of Deal Storming: How to Win Over Non-Native Change Resources with Passion and Innovation

Change is often daunting, particularly in organizations and communities where individuals are resistant to new ideas or processes. When managing change, it’s crucial to get buy-in from all stakeholders, especially those who are not native to your organizational culture or change plans. Enter deal storming—an innovative approach to navigating this complex terrain and winning over non-native change resources.

Deal storming is essentially a collaborative brainstorming process that encourages creative, open-ended discussions and solutions. It empowers teams to think outside the box and work together towards a common goal, especially when traditional methods fall short.

In the context of change management, deal storming can be a powerhouse for obtaining support and commitment from non-native change resources. In this post, we are going to explore what deal storming is, why it’s effective, and how to implement it to foster collaboration and enthusiasm for change.

What is Deal Storming?

Deal storming is a dynamic approach to collaboration that transcends conventional brainstorming. It combines elements of deal-making and cooperative problem-solving. During deal storming, team members share their experiences, insights, and innovative ideas to navigate complex problems more effectively.

The process typically involves breaking down silos within organizations and encouraging diverse perspectives. Unlike regular meetings, deal storming taps into the collective creativity of the group to devise practical and innovative solutions.

In change management, it's about more than just gathering input; it’s about energizing participants and getting them emotionally invested in the outcome of the process.

Why Deal Storming is Effective for Change Management

1. Encourages Inclusivity and Engagement

Involving non-native change resources in the deal storming process fosters inclusivity. When individuals from different backgrounds share their views, they feel more valued and recognized.

This method not only raises engagement levels but also leads to unexpected solutions to challenges. It creates a sense of ownership among participants, making them more likely to support the change initiatives presented.

2. Breaks Down Resistance

Resistance to change is often rooted in fear of the unknown or a sense of loss. Deal storming can help mitigate these feelings by facilitating open discussions.

By bringing non-native resources into the conversation, you can address their concerns head-on and showcase how the changes will positively impact them. As participants see their insights leading to meaningful outcomes, their resistance is likely to diminish.

3. Fosters Creative Problem Solving

The creative aspect of deal storming encourages groups to explore the “how” behind proposed changes. It’s not just about framing the what but also illuminating the ways to achieve the desired results.

During these collaborative sessions, unexpected ideas may surface, leading to innovative strategies that a singular perspective may not yield. This is vital in driving a successful change initiative.

Implementing Deal Storming in Change Management

Step 1: Define Clear Objectives

Before hopping into a deal storming session, it’s important to have clear objectives. What specific outcomes do you want to achieve? Whether it’s getting consensus on a change initiative or finding innovative solutions to potential roadblocks, clarity will guide the discussions.

Setting achievable goals ensures that everyone comes to the table with a purpose, maximizing the effectiveness of the deal storming process.

Step 2: Assemble a Diverse Group

Diversity is key to an effective deal storming session. Aim to bring together individuals from different departments, levels, and even varied experiences. Including non-native resources who may bring fresh perspectives can enhance discussions.

Having a varied group not only enriches the conversation but increases the likelihood that innovative solutions will arise.

Step 3: Facilitate Open Communication

Create an environment where participants feel comfortable sharing their thoughts. This may involve setting ground rules to prevent criticism during the brainstorming process. Encourage everyone to speak freely and build upon each other's ideas.

Ensuring open communication fosters a sense of collaboration and leads to a more productive session.

Step 4: Document Ideas and Insights

As a facilitator, it's your responsibility to capture the ideas and insights generated during the session. Use visuals or collaborative tools to outline thoughts and solutions clearly. This documentation can serve as a follow-up resource and keeps everyone accountable for the outcomes.

Step 5: Follow-Up and Action

After the deal storming session, it’s important to follow up on the outcomes. Communicate the next steps to all participants and ensure that the agreed-upon ideas are acknowledged and acted upon.

The follow-up process is crucial for maintaining momentum and showing that participant input is valued.

Conclusion

Embracing deal storming as a tool within the change management process can have a transformative impact on securing buy-in from non-native change resources. The beauty of this method lies in its ability to foster inclusivity, break down resistance, and ignite creative problem-solving.

As organizations evolve and adapt to new challenges, integrating innovative strategies like deal storming will be key to navigating change successfully. Rather than facing a sea of resistance, you'll find a tribe of enthusiastic change advocates, ready to tackle the challenges ahead.

Next time you embark on a change initiative, consider using deal storming as a strategy to capture the hearts and minds of your team. Together, you can unleash the power of innovation and passion to create an energized workforce ready to embrace change.

Participants passionately discussing ideas during a dealstorming session