Reference #285: The First 90 Days
Being strategic in order you seek to influence people can build momentum in the direction you want.
Because of social influence, gaining a respected ally makes it easier to recruit others to your cause. Gaining broader support makes it more likely initiative or succeed, which makes it easier still to recruit others.
This is influence technique known as sequencing.
Watkins. The First 90 Days, 2013. (218)