There are many ways to get people involved besides coercion, putting someone in a tight spot, or otherwise using negative reinforcement. The most powerful kind of participation is that which generates enthusiasm and spreads of its own accord. At the core, with or without a mandate, voluntary involvement is necessary for the very best results.

My work in organizations since 1989 has primarily engaged economists, technologists, researchers, scientists, accountants, administrators, and engineers. None of these are very far out on the touchy-feely continuum of personality types. Nonetheless, I am able to consistently arouse their enthusiasm, enroll their voluntary participation, secure their buy-in, and generate their contributions by appealing to their professional spirit.

The best work raises the bar for both individuals and organizational performance. A project or change initiative should never downgrade one for the other.

Questions to Trigger Professional Excitement when it comes to Change
1. What is the best possible outcome of this initiative in terms of your career?
2. What professional breakthroughs can this effort be used to facilitate?
3. What is the highest bar that has been set in your area of expertise, and how can this program help you to exceed it?
4. What is your next step professionally, and how can this work help you get there?

To master this approach, go beyond seeing communication as a way to get your message out. Instead, generate interactions that lay the foundation to a shared and improved future. This is how real, sustained transformation happens.