Hi, I'm Kevin Eikenberry, and I'm here to help you reach your potential as a leader and a human being. In this episode of Remarkable TV, I want to tackle a phrase we've all encountered: "We've always done it that way." It's a common form of resistance, and today, I'll share some practical tips to respond effectively and foster positive change.
We've all heard it and maybe even said it ourselves: "We've always done it that way." When people say this, it's often a sign that they're comfortable with the current way of doing things. The first step in addressing this resistance is to recognize their comfort. Acknowledge that their perspective might be true and that it's okay for them to feel that way. Understanding this puts you in a better position to respond.
Four Questions to Ask
When you're ready to respond, it's important to do so with curiosity and patience. Here are four questions to help move people past the point of resistance:
- Have We Ever Changed It?
Encourage them to think about the word "always." Even if they've changed things slightly, it helps them see that adjustments have been made before. - Is It Working as Well as It Used To?
This question explores whether the current approach is as effective as it once was. You're looking for even a small sense of dissatisfaction to open the door for improvement. - Has Anything Else Changed?
The world changes constantly. This question prompts them to consider how external factors might have shifted since the current method was established. - What Might Make It Better?
This question shifts the focus to potential solutions, helping them move beyond resistance and toward constructive change.
Pushing back against people who resist change isn't effective if done in a confrontational way. Instead, ask these questions patiently and with genuine curiosity. By acknowledging their perspective and exploring possibilities together, you can help them see that maybe a tweak or change is beneficial.
When people say, "We've always done it this way," it's often because they're in their comfort zone and don't recognize that the world is changing. By acknowledging their perspective and asking thoughtful questions, you can help them see things differently and embrace positive change.
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