ACCESS : Know when to approach … and if it is possible
Sometimes an individual can be casually approached with a simple introduction , however , often times , senior leaders will have a protective entourage . Here are two techniques that can potentially lead to a casual discussion .
Wait in line to talk to the senior leader . Did this leader just give a keynote ? Distill a point out of their narrative that ties to WPS . Take something that they mentioned as a problem or potential equity , hint that WPS can solve that problem and request a sit down . Most likely they will be eager to get on to the next person , and will agree for a later meeting coordinated through their XO , or send them an information paper over .
Key leader connections , can also be used to gain entrée to other key leader in their peer network ? Ask for introductions when both are in the same location . Having a peer or someone of equal status to a key leader initiate an introduction will provide a degree of support for the WPS agenda and its credibility . The introduction as a GENAD often results in an amused or confused facial expression , which is a perfect opportunity for a practiced elevator pitch . This pitch should emphasize the synergies between the WPS agenda and the senior leaders command interests and lines of effort , highlighting an in-depth understanding of the senior leader ’ s organization !
Knowing when to approach and what is a “ good time ” requires intent listening and awareness of who is in the room , in order to leverage a self-introduction or an introduction from another connection . The key is to tie WPS / Gender into something that will solve a state ’ s problem , making the senior leader ’ s job easier , or improve the potential outcome .
Example : A Gender Advisor ’ s job to advise the commander on how analyzing the specific challenges and opportunities of men , women , girls and boys in conflict can save the US Forces time and lives on the battlefield by reducing risk .
BUILD : a few hooks
Hooks are more traditional elevator pitch territory : What is the main message to be conveyed ? That depends on all of the above .
■ Operations specific : Mission effectiveness ; better operational picture ; more resilient populations
■ Function Specific : better intel ; less disrupted , more efficient logistics networks ; more flexible and practical infrastructure
Be able to justify the operations and functions specifics with examples .
Example for EUCOM Line of Effort ( LOE ) 1 : Deter Russia WPS Benefit / hook : In an age of competition short of conflict , the WPS program can help US Forces build the resiliency of partner nations--and that resilience is deterrence to Russia .
The above example is based in the National Security Strategy dictating that the US compete with Russia Short of Conflict ( hybrid warfare ). The ultimate goal of WPS is to build societal / state / regional resilience ( EUCOM training WPS model ), therefore an application of WPS is a deterrent of Russia .
Example An Air Force General , who is currently in the J5 , Balkan head , whose previous assignments included logistics units .
Pitch : With US efforts to sure up the Balkan region against Russian maligned influence , the WPS program can help build the resiliency of the region through better crisis action planning--and that regional resilience will not only strengthen interoperability , but will also act as a deterrence to Russia .
In this instance , the pitch was modified to the current position of the officer , so they understand how WPS can meet their intent and organization goals in the region . As an entrée , a GENAD can comment on when the general mentioned the challenge their organization is having with increasing NATO interoperability , highlighting that the WPS / Gender program could help fill some of those gaps with a high return on investment for the work it would take . Establish a time and date for a more in-depth discussion on the topic .
So , a GENAD must be well versed on the command--knowing the key lines of effort and how WPS weaves into them . Learn the leaders with which a GENAD would want to engage--ask fellow service members who know them about the key leader ’ s service history , then modify the WPS pitch language to increase their understanding . Perhaps most importantly , know when is a good time to engage them and ask for help from other allies that might have the ability to provide an introduction . Having a well-practiced elevator pitch is a good policy . Use the above mentioned tools to build custom elevator pitches that will resonate with the target audience , with the right message that helps the WPS / Gender community move forward , faster .
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