1. Get a Seat at the Strategy Table
Samantha Starmer sstarme@rei.com @samanthastarmer
http://www.flickr.com/photos/myklroventine/2475433404/

2. me
web and experience stuff: Amazon, Microsoft
REI – Recreational Equipment, Inc.
lead IA, UX, IxD & analytics teams
teach at University of Washington

3. do you want your
ideas to be
heard?

4. do you want to
be a trusted
advisor?

5. do you want to
be part of the
decision process?

6. know the big picture
http://www.flickr.com/photos/aatemu/4784742636/

7. know the big picture
 know your organizations’ strategic goals and
objectives
 understand where can your work directly
benefit those goals
 learn when and how decisions get made
 think about 5 years out and three levels up –
what changes?
 take an executive to coffee

8. lay pipe:
the art of the pre-sell

9. pre-sell
 always be building a conduit for your
goals
 look for allies up, down and sideways
 know who will oppose you, and why
 all the important conversations should
happen before you propose a new idea

10. pick your battles

11. pick your battles
 focus on what is most important
 pay attention to timing – may be better to lose
this battle
 be patient
 be a team player - help advance others’ goals,
not just your own

12. offer solutions
http://www.flickr.com/photos/bettyx1138/3534902300

13. offer solutions
 good: problems are framed as
opportunities
 better: you bring proposed solutions
whenever you identify a challenge
 best: you come to the table with the
solution already implemented or
underway

14. talk the talk

15. talk the talk
 listen more than you speak
 watch more than you present
 learn how your executives talk
 what is important to them?
 how are they rewarded and compensated?
 what words do they use?
 adapt to their language, don’t force them to
adapt to yours

16. walk the walk
http://www.flickr.com/photos/mulad/142543881

17. walk the walk
 get comfortable talking to executives
 get comfortable with strategy
 keep your perspective on the big picture
 it should feel natural for people to come
to you with strategic questions
Just do it. Just be it

18. thank you!!
Samantha Starmer sstarme@rei.com @samanthastarmer
http://www.flickr.com/photos/baking_in_pearls/3960662314