As a leader, one of the biggest challenges you'll face is resistance to change. Whether you're introducing a new process, implementing a new strategy, or making any other kind of change, there will be people who resist it. In this video, I'll share some tips on how you can overcome that resistance.
The first thing to understand is that resistance is natural. Don't be surprised by it. Even if you think your idea is great, others may not be on board right away. Change can be scary, and it's common for people to resist it. However, it's not as bad as you might think. In fact, resistance is a sign that people care. Would you rather people be resistant or apathetic? Most people would choose resistance because it shows that people have an opinion and are engaged.
Once you understand that resistance is natural, you can focus on how to overcome it. One technique that I recommend is to recognize and overcome the "what if" loop. This loop occurs when people get caught up in negative hypothetical questions like "What if it doesn't work?" or "What if we look stupid?" These questions can create worry and anxiety, which can lead to even more resistance.
To overcome the what if loop, you can flip the questions around. Instead of asking "What if it doesn't work?", ask "What if it works great?" or "What if we look brilliant as a result of trying this?" By considering positive outcomes, you can shift the focus from worry to possibility. Another option is to take the questions head-on. For example, if someone asks "What if it doesn't work?", you could respond with "What can we do to make sure it does work?"
By helping people to understand the what if loop and providing alternative perspectives, you can reduce resistance to change. Remember, resistance is natural, but it doesn't have to be a roadblock. By acknowledging it and providing tools to overcome it, you can help your team embrace change and move forward.
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"Don't let the what if questions stand in the way of making a change. Flip the negative what ifs around, or acknowledge them and overcome them." @KevinEikenberry
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