Strategy: Align · Core
Get leaders to commit to the strategy
A strategy only matters if leaders act on it. Bring them in before the final version, deal with objections and agree a clear decision.
About 3-10 daysEvergreenLast reviewed 5 November 2026
Who this applies to
- Skills it builds
- Communication and influenceStrategy and vision
- PM types
- All
- Product types
- All
- Starting points
- All
- Ways of working
- All
- Experience
- All
- Size of organisation
- All
Steps, by experience
Beginner (under 1 year)
- List the leaders whose support you need.
- Share the draft narrative with each one before any big meeting.
- Write down their concerns and how you will answer them.
- Hold a decision meeting with a clear ask.
- Record the decision and who agreed.
Intermediate (1 to 4 years)
- Use a decision framework so everyone knows their role.
- Negotiate trade-offs openly rather than hiding them.
- Agree how leaders will show their support, such as funding or announcements.
Experienced (5+ years)
- Handle disagreement between senior leaders directly.
- Tie commitment to budgets and targets.
- Keep leaders engaged after the launch, not just at sign-off.
Who can do this
Owner: Product manager
Reviewed by: Senior leader / sponsor
Tool examples
- Confluence
- Use a decision record with roles and the outcome.
- Google Docs
- Track leaders' concerns and responses in one table.
Definition of done
- Leaders consulted before the decision
- Decision recorded
- Visible support agreed
Common pitfalls
- Surprising leaders in a big meeting
- Mistaking silence for agreement
- No record of the decision