3 MONTHS AGO • 4 MIN READ

🤝 Unlock stakeholder influence with 5/15/5!

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Discover how Stefon Towler's 5/15/5 framework transforms stakeholder relationships by understanding what truly drives decisions. Learn a systematic approach to uncovering stakeholder priorities and crafting messages that resonate with decision-makers at every level.

What if you could predict exactly how your stakeholders would respond to your ideas before you even present them?

Years ago, I walked into a high-stakes meeting with a C-level exec, armed with big ideas and unwavering confidence.

I was completely blindsided when the outcome was the exact opposite of what I was hoping for.

In hindsight, this was entirely my fault. I did it to myself:

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That high-stakes meeting that went off the rails: Totally my fault!

➡️ Guess how many times I talked to anyone familiar with the org’s goals

Never

➡️ Guess how often I worked to understand things beyond my team’s concerns

Never

➡️ Guess how many hours we wasted planning for this big reveal

Way too many to count!

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As a discipline, we talk a lot about influence and the ability to shape strategy. But we often try to do this with very little insight outside of our own little insular design bubble.

How often does that work out for us?

But what if there was a framework we could leverage to better understand the people we’re trying to influence?

Stefon Towler created the 5/15/5 framework:

⇢ Talk to 5 people
⇢ Identify 15 patterns
⇢ Test 5 messages

This framework helps us craft stories and messaging that resonate with the people we’re trying to influence.

This week, Stefon joins me to discuss his framework and share insights on how we can use it to influence decisions.

Don’t miss it!

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Stop pitching, start listeni...
Apr 10 · Beyond UX Design
65:30
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🎯 Here are some key takeaways from our chat

1️⃣ Understand the intent before proposing solutions: Focus on understanding the business objectives and priorities that drive decisions. Align your proposals with existing organizational goals rather than fighting against them.

2️⃣ Look beyond objections to understand underlying concerns: When people resist ideas, their stated reasons often mask deeper concerns. Take time to understand true priorities and constraints before crafting a response.

3️⃣ Craft messages that speak to their priorities: Once you understand what drives decisions, frame your proposals in terms that resonate with their goals. This might mean highlighting different aspects of the same solution for various audiences.

4️⃣ Build credibility by demonstrating understanding: Show them you understand their challenges and constraints before proposing solutions. This builds trust and makes them more likely to consider your ideas.

5️⃣ Test and refine your approach with small groups: Before presenting to larger audiences, validate your messages with smaller groups of people. This helps you identify potential objections and refine your approach for maximum impact.


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Join 6,000+ designers improving their soft skills, weekly!

Beyond UX Design's mission is to give you the tools you need to be a truly effective UX designer by diving into the soft skills they won't be teaching you in school or a boot camp. These skills are critical to your success.