Buy-In: Saving Your Good Idea from Getting Shot Down Book

Take-Aways

Every good idea or new approach is vulnerable to undeserved, unexpected attacks.
Those using them often play somewhat predictable roles, such as "Pompus Meani,"
"Allis Welli" and "Bendi Windi."
You must respond effectively in order to gain the widespread support required for
your idea to succeed.
There are "four ways to kill a good idea: confusion, delay, ridicule and fear
mongering." The most powerful attacks may combine two or three of these
strategies.
You can counter all four strategies, or any combination of them, with a single
method:
Gain people's attention and appeal to "their minds and hearts" by responding simply,
respectfully and effectively.
Counterintuitive as it might sound, you want people to attack your idea. Involving
detractors and skeptics in your discussion helps more people notice your cause.
Focus on winning over the majority of your listeners, not your attacker.
Answer questions in a calm, clear, logical way, even when attackers become
emotional.
Research and prepare for all likely forms of attack. To earn your audience's
sympathy, respond to your critics with respect.