Once commented how I transformed Metadata into a principle architecture within the enterprise. The question revolved around how I convinced 100 architects to accept this new way of thinking? Truth be told, I didn’t have to convince 100, only 2. The key was to locate those influential individuals and based on their actions, others would follow.

Since many cases Enterprise 2.0 revolves not around the technology but around the culture and behavior issues, we need to locate those key individuals who can lead the organization. Not the entire organization but the compartmentalized group. Once they are on board with the collaborative solution then others will follow. These individuals may not be the highest level folks; you want the most influential. So how do you determine who these people are?

Well, you ask them. Locate someone in the group that your are looking at and ask them “Who do you look toward as a key resource in this group?” Person A might point out that Person B is the leader of the group. So you ask Person B the same question. Person B may say that Person C is the true leader of the group and is very innovative. Continue with this process and eventually, you will end up with a couple of people that you can work with to understand the basic value of this technology. Once they are on board then you can walk away and the viral value of the environment will take root. What happens if you just focus on Person A? Then the true leaders may squash the effort due to political issues. Find the Influencers…