Principle of the Key Safety Advocate

This principle states It is easier to persuade decision makers when at least one person within their own circle believes in the proposal well enough to champion the cause. 

The positive persuasive power of such a champion may make the difference between rejection and acceptance of the need for change. If this champion happens to be an executive, so much the better for the change process. One strong supporter of change can often persuade the rest of the group to accept decisions and moves for change. However, the principle can work the opposite way, where the key advocate may be someone who is opposed to change. 

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