Buy-In
by John P. Kotter and Lorne A. Whitehead
A parable about defending a good idea in a town meeting, followed by the 24 common attacks (fear mongering, death by delay, confusion, ridicule) and how to respond with respect and simple clarity. Practical for anyone who presents proposals.
Read it if…
your good ideas keep getting shot down in meetings.
See the book →
Skip it if…
you want strategy; this is tactics for the room.
Try instead: That's Not How We Do It Here! →
Three things you will actually use
- Invite the attackers; it builds attention.
- Respond with simple, respectful clarity.
- Win the room, not the argument.
Do this first
Before your next proposal, list the attacks you expect and your calm responses.
Our verdict
Defending ideas in the room.
See the book →
Compare with other Leadership books

That's Not How We Do It Here!
John Kotter and Holger Rathgeber · Leadership
Meerkat version of Accelerate.
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