This score is good news: people share your interest in the idea or project. The challenge will be to see if you can turn interest into action to make the idea a reality.

On the first question of the assessment you said that you were willing to be influenced by this person or group. That mindset will be important.

Here are some ideas to consider:

1. Find out why they are interested. I know that sounds odd, but you should know what interests them about the idea—and understand that it may not be what’s made you enthusiastic about it. What, if any, urgency do they feel about this issue or topic?
   • You can just ask something as simple as, “I’m glad you’re interested; how come?”
   • Listen for what is important to them. Do they think this change will make work easier, more efficient, better for customers, and so forth?
2. Their answers can give you ways to engage with them to help make this a success. Please watch the video in which I talk about using a What If? Scenario. You may not want to hold a big meeting like I describe in the video, but you can apply this idea with one person or a small group. It’s in the spirit of asking “What could go wrong?” and then inviting people to help you come up with ways of avoiding or fixing that problem quickly is what counts.
   
   The What If? Scenario has the advantage of inviting their opinions and taking what they have to say seriously. You may be surprised just how infrequently leaders ask for advice on new projects. And that can lead to post-fiasco grumbling. “I could have told you that would happen.”
3. If this What If? conversation goes well, then you might ask for something more. They have already shown a willingness to help out by engaging in the What If? session (that level of energy is a 5 on The Energy Bar™, in case you are keeping score). Now you can ask if they would be willing to help in others ways. (That would take their score to a 6.) Be sure to make specific requests. Clarity allows people to know what they are saying yes or no to. And it shows respect for them.

Resources

Why Resistance Matters is a four-page article that describes three levels of support and resistance. This article might help you track shifts in energy. More

The Energy Bar™ Group
It’s most likely that you’re here because you need to gain support from a team, a full organization, or one key person - possibly for a one-time project, an idea that you'd like to see come to life, or maybe for a large-scale organization change. Keep the momentum going and join The Energy Bar™ Group. Our informal online group is where I share my very best work and resources, with examples of people using The Energy Bar™ effectively in organizations. It’s a place for you to connect with peers, ask questions and offer your own ideas. Our group is free to join, and you can opt out easily at any time. I hope you’ll consider joining me. – Rick Maurer