A sales representative driving to a "yes, I will buy and here is the money", the mom pitching the PTA about how to spend the earnings from the bake sale, the politician seeking to earn your vote or getting approval from the boss for next fiscal years technology investment. Every day, we are seeking to convince others to move in our direction and will use various tactics to win those invested to our side. 

We recently sought approval of a significant project and were ultimately unsuccessful winning over the approval authority. It was brutal to accept the result as we reflected on the effort expended to achieve the objective. We fell short communicating the plan and building trust that this right plan was executable. 

I will always remember how Nancy Pelosi was able to navigate the political system and gain the required votes gain approval of the Affordable Care Act  several years ago. Against all the odds, she was successful. Business books are full of examples of successful leaders that have reached a "yes" through tough negotiating tactics or building consensus. What's in your toolbox?

How do you determine who to engage? How do you build consensus? How do you know you're making progress? What "yes" are you most proud of?