Driving Change by Appreciating Resistance

Leaders see it all the time ‒ employees responding poorly to change initiatives. Predictably, your people don’t take well to hearing countless arguments about why your new idea will make things better. Invariably, one-way talk increases organizational tension. Maybe a new approach is required ‒ one that acknowledges the resisting forces and, in understanding them, reduces their sway.

This week’s question:  

What will change if, instead of selling features and benefits of a new approach, you devote real time to uncovering, appreciating and working through employees’ specific resistances to the change? What can you anticipate when they feel heard and respected rather than expecting them to hear and respect you?

Are you interested in writing for HealthyLeaders.com? Head on over to our Write for Us page to submit an article!