In the fast-paced world of Workday support and project management, ideas and requests come from every direction. Some are urgent fixes, others are innovative opportunities—but without a process for sorting, prioritizing, and securing buy-in, even the best ideas can stall.

The first step is clarity. Understand the difference between a ticket (a quick fix), a backlog item (a request waiting to be prioritized), and a roadmap project (something your team has committed to deliver). A clear roadmap isn’t just a list—it’s a strategic tool that reflects your team’s capacity, aligns with business goals, and sets expectations across the organization.

Influence comes when you can connect your idea to a real pain point or goal. Avoid “technology in search of a problem.” Instead, lead with the impact: time saved, processes streamlined, dollars conserved. When money is involved, calculate the ROI. For example, an expensive enhancement might pay for itself in a year if it eliminates enough manual work.

Equally important are relationships. Build connections with stakeholders in HR, Finance, or other departments so they understand and support your ideas. Often, your biggest advocates will be in rooms you can’t access, championing your project during budget or planning discussions.

When the inevitable flood of competing priorities arrives, curiosity is your ally. Ask stakeholders, “Where does this new request fit compared to what’s already on our plate?” This opens the door for them to help set priorities—without creating conflict.

And if you’re the lone Workday supporter in your company, remember: you’re not alone in the ecosystem. Countless professionals are willing to share their experiences and advice. Reach out, connect, and tap into that collective knowledge.

For more strategies, examples, and lessons learned, listen to the full discussion with Christian Delcid on this week’s (Aug. 15) Workday Gold podcast episode.