The Concept/Approach Principle: What's worth arguing about?

The Concept/Approach Principle: Finding the Real Disconnect

How many times have you tried to drive change—only to get shut down by a critical stakeholder?

You present what feels like a solid, well-reasoned idea. You’ve done your homework. You’re excited. But instead of engagement, you get resistance. Maybe they nod politely. Maybe they push back. Or maybe they just move on like you never spoke.

It's tempting to think, “They just don’t get it.”

But what if the real issue is you don’t get what they’re reacting to?

That’s where the Concept/Approach Principle comes in.

The Principle in a Nutshell

When you’re trying to influence someone—especially around a new idea—and it's not landing, ask yourself:

• Are we misaligned on the concept?

• Or are we misaligned on the approach?

  
  

Here’s the twist:

• A conceptual disconnect is a philosophical problem

• An approach disagreement is a clarity problem

  
  

And the distinction matters more than you think.

When It’s a Concept Problem (Philosophy Mismatch)

This is the deeper, harder issue.

If someone doesn’t buy into your concept, you’re not just dealing with a communication breakdown—you’re dealing with a philosophical gap. They may fundamentally see the world differently than you. Maybe they don’t believe the problem is worth solving. Maybe they don’t agree on the premise behind your solution. Maybe they’re just wired to prioritize something else.

This isn’t about the how—it’s about the why.

And when that’s the case, it’s time to step back. If you push too hard on tactics, you’re fighting the wrong fight. What you really need is a reframed conversation about values, priorities, or beliefs.

Sometimes, they’re never going to see it. But sometimes, reframing the concept with their worldview in mind creates the breakthrough.

When It’s an Approach Problem (Clarity Mismatch)

This one’s more tactical—and more fixable.

If someone buys the concept but still resists your idea, the issue usually isn’t belief. It’s clarity. They’re not sure your approach will work. Maybe they see risks you missed. Maybe your steps feel fuzzy or the path forward seems too complex.

Good news? You’re aligned on why the change matters. Now the task is to make the how easier to see, understand, or support.

I’ve found that when I clearly name this moment—“I think we agree on the concept, but maybe my approach isn’t quite right for you”—it lowers defenses. It shifts the conversation from rejection to collaboration.

You’re not arguing anymore. You’re co-designing.

Why This Framework Matters

We often assume rejection means the idea isn’t good enough. But that’s rarely the real issue.

Most of the time, rejection is misdiagnosed. You’re treating it like a clarity issue when it’s actually philosophical—or vice versa. The Concept/Approach Principle gives you a fast, effective way to course-correct in the moment.

And more importantly, it helps you avoid spinning your wheels, repeating yourself, or walking away confused and frustrated.

Final Thought

Influence isn’t just about pitching better ideas. It’s about diagnosing resistance with precision.

So the next time your idea doesn’t land, stop and ask yourself:

Is this a concept problem—or an approach problem?

Am I wrestling with a belief—or just a lack of clarity?

That one moment of reflection can give you the insight to shift the conversation—and maybe even save the idea.

Because clarity wins arguments. But shared philosophy? That’s how change really sticks.