Table of contents
Guidance and tips for Idea Leaders
Kudos on advancing to the DRAFT phase! Your goal is to build a credible business case through collaboration with your Idea Team.
Here's how to proceed
1. Provide Idea context
Select the Idea Card to open the Idea workspace.
In the Problem text box, share some background information about the situation, challenge, or problem that sparked the Idea.
In the Approach text box, briefly describe the steps involved in implementing the Idea.
2. List Value Items
If you're new to AGREED, review Valuation Basics before jumping in.
Open the Value tab to enter Value Items in each relevant category.
- Personnel expense Items: Whose work will change? How much more or less time will they spend?
Non-personnel expense Items: What will the company buy more or less of?
Revenue Items: How will the Idea impact sales?
3. Review draft with your boss or sponsor
Reach out to your boss or sponsor through regular channels (in person, email, chat, etc.) to share the working draft. Discuss the following questions and determine the next steps.
What additional Value Items should be listed?
Who might be the right Validator for each Value Item?
Who should be invited as Stakeholders for this Idea?
Who should be invited as Decision Makers?
Who else should be invited as an Idea Team Member at large?
Who should send each invitation: you, or your boss?
4. Invite Idea Team Members
Before you send automated invitations through the platform, it might be helpful to introduce yourself and/or the Idea to Team members via regular channels.
Open the Value tab to invite Validators.
Open the Risk tab to invite Stakeholders.
Open the Agreements tab to invite Decision Makers.
Invite additional Team Members at the bottom of the Overview page.
5. Integrate initial input
Check the Value and Risk tabs for incoming feedback from Stakeholders and Validators.
Don't forget to review any notes, comments, or attachments. (This section is found at the end of each Value Item row by selecting the three grey dots. As well as at the end of each row of every Stakeholder and Decision Maker.)
Ask follow-up questions as needed to clarify feedback received.
Validators may adjust Value Items directly or instruct you to make changes.
Stakeholders will give a Risk Rating and Request Changes for you to implement. Review these with your boss before implementing them.
6. Submit draft for review
Decision Makers will review the business case and identify any missing Stakeholder or Value Items.
Decision Makers may respond to the business case via AGREED. Alternatively, you may gather their feedback in a real-time conversation or in a steering committee review meeting.
Open the Agreements tab to see responses from Decision Makers or to enter responses on their behalf.
Agreed = all Value Items and Stakeholders are in place
Revise = additional Value Items and/or Stakeholders are needed
Reject = the business case does not merit further development at this time
If any Decision Maker marks Reject, consult with your boss or sponsor regarding how to proceed. Often, further discussion with the Decision Maker will clarify and resolve their concerns.
As you draft the business case, check in with your boss or sponsor via regular channels once a week (or every two weeks) to share updates and align on next steps.
Check-in with Idea Team Members via regular channels to give friendly nudges as needed regarding their participation.
Time is on your side. Think of the Idea as a seed that needs thoughtful attention to grow, but also can't be rushed to maturity.