Change Quote by Douglas B. Reeves
““I regularly invite educators and leaders to send me their questions, and hundreds of them do so every month. The most common question, however, is one to which my response is probably most disappointing. The question is “How do I get better buy-in from my staff before I implement some critically needed changes?” The answer is “You don’t.””
About This Quote
Source Interview: Leadership Podcast, 2022
Leaders often seek staff buy‑in before change, but true commitment comes after implementation, not before.
In simple terms: Buy‑in follows action, not the other way.
Implement first, then earn support.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- team meetings
- project rollouts
- policy updates
- training sessions
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you demonstrate benefits early?
- What risks arise from acting without prior consensus?
Assuming buy‑in can be secured in advance may delay needed action.