A quick question: have you ever shared what you thought was a brilliant idea, and the reaction you got back was a polite nod, crossed arms, or the classic, “Yeah, let’s think about it”? Same idea, same words, same logic and yet it landed with all the impact of a wet noodle.

Here’s why. Have you ever noticed that no two people ever see the exact same rainbow? You can stand right next to someone, look at the same sky, and still see something different. That’s because a rainbow is not sitting out there in one fixed place. It is created by the angle at which light hits the raindrops and just as important, the angle you are viewing it from. Move a few feet, and the rainbow moves.

Influence works the exact same way. Most people try to convince others by saying, “Let me show you how great my idea is.” But buy-in does not come from what you see. It comes from what they see.

You are looking at your idea through your priorities. They are looking at it through their pressures, their risks, and their deadlines, quietly wondering who or what is going to get blamed if this goes sideways. Same idea, same angle, no rainbow, just cloudy skies and a meeting that could have been an email.

The key to getting buy-in for your ideas is understanding the perspective of the people you are trying to influence. Only then can you position your value in a way that is received as powerful, not pushy.

Velocity is speed with direction, and direction always starts with perspective. When you shift your angle to match theirs, resistance drops, trust increases, conversations move faster, and decisions happen sooner.

So as we close out the year and you are planning for a successful 2026, make sure your plan does not just make sense to you, make sure it speaks to the perspectives of the people you will need buy-in from to make it happen. Because when your plan aligns with their angle, that is when momentum shows up.

From all of us at Karr Associates, we wish you and your families a safe and very happy holiday season, and a successful 2026.

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