Big vision, no buy-in? You’re Missing a Bridge
Welcome to another Toolkit Tuesday! Every week, our goal is to give you a practical leadership tool to put in your toolkit.
The Challenge
So there I was… standing on the deck of the USS San Antonio, watching an amphibious operation unfold. We were launching LCACs and small boats from the well deck, while helicopters and Ospreys lifted Marines off the flight deck.
It looked seamless — but it wasn’t effortless.
Behind every launch was a detailed plan:
Who goes first
What was the launch timing
What to do if (when) something goes wrong
We didn’t just point at the beach and tell the Marines, “Good luck. Swim fast.”
Our job was to support them — step by step — so they could land safely, fully equipped, and ready to complete the mission.
At Khaki Consulting, we call this “Building the Bridge.”
Leading change in business isn’t much different. You can’t just point to a future vision and expect everyone to jump.
You have to build the bridge first.
The Tool: Build the Bridge
When you cast a vision for change, remember:
Future-oriented team members (Creatives, Pioneers, Connectors) might see the idea and say, "Let’s go!"
Present-oriented team members (Nurturers, Guardians) aren’t convinced by vision alone. They want to know:
What are the risks?
How will we get there?
What systems, people, and resources do we need to succeed?
The Build the Bridge tool reminds you: if you want full team buy-in, you must show people the path, not just the destination.
Some ways to build the bridge:
Pilot programs – Let them test the idea safely.
Early wins – Show proof of concept before big changes.
Invite input – Let Present-oriented voices help shape the path.
When people see that it’s safe — and that their voice matters — they’re far more likely to move with you.
Why This Matters Now
If you skip this step, you’ll have:
Leaders frustrated because “no one gets it”
Teams dragging their feet
Good people hesitating or leaving
You’ll end up with a divided, hesitant organization—no matter how good your vision is.
But when you build the bridge first? You don’t have to push people — they want to cross with you.
The Result
Leaders who Build the Bridge move their people with less friction, less drama, and far more loyalty. They don’t just get compliance, they get commitment.
And over time, they don’t just hit targets, they multiply healthy leaders who can drive future missions forward.
Take Action
If you want your team to move, stop yelling from the other side of the ravine. Build the bridge.
Here’s how to take action to grow your leadership this week:
Identify the vision you want your team to move toward over the next 8 months. Ask yourself: How can I make the next steps clear and safe for them?
Book a free strategy session. We’ll help you map out a real leadership bridge to get your team from today’s reality to tomorrow’s opportunity.
Closing the Loop
That day on the San Antonio, every LCAC, every small boat, and every Osprey got exactly where they needed to go — not because we hoped for the best, but because we planned for it.
Vision without building a bridge is just a dream.
Vision with a bridge becomes a mission.
Lead hard.
