Key Insights

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  Senior leaders usually prefer strong opinions and clear next steps over detailed research methodologies.

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  Researchers often talk to leadership as if they were peers, causing a gap in communication effectiveness.

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  The discipline of research has evolved from seeking approval to demanding inclusion at decision-making forums.

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  Many researchers already have a metaphorical seat at the table, evidenced by leadership referencing and using their work.

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  Analyzing how stakeholders communicate—positive, fact-based, or intensity-driven—helps tailor messages for greater impact.

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  Effective storytelling for leadership means creating memorable, high-level narratives rather than comprehensive reports.

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  Research teams must start involvement well before formal planning cycles to influence investment decisions.

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  Closing the feedback loop by gathering stakeholder responses post-decision is crucial but often overlooked.

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  Cultural differences, such as inductive versus deductive reasoning, affect how research findings should be presented.

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  Understanding stakeholders’ goals and language (e.g., metrics like revenue or user engagement) improves researcher alignment and influence.

Notable Quotes