Overcoming Resistance to Change
There’s much in the news these days about how professional service firms must evolve. The necessary change will be difficult for many. Here are some hints that may help you if you are managing change.
1. If change is in the works plan to tell people well in advance what is planned. Then when it’s happening let people know exactly what’s going on step by step – respect their desire to know and ability to handle that knowledge. And then after the change is in place remind people what happened – to ensure they get it and buy in.
2. At each stage of the process search out and work with people who are uncomfortable or resistant. Grasp nettles. Don’t let these people grow into negative influences.
3. When you’re dealing with people who are resistant try these three tips. a. Never assume that you know what the other person is thinking. Ask open ended questions to gauge their thoughts. b. Take into consideration that another person’s view of reality may be as real as your own. Find out what their view is. c. Check out assumptions. What are those that you’re using. How might they differ from the person who is resistant. Get on the same page where possible.
