July 24, 2012
We all know managing change is challenging, and that one of the major issues to deal with are those who resist change. Sometimes that resistance is simply out of fear, sometimes due to misunderstanding the change, sometimes because folks view the change as negative for them. However, sometimes those critics have valid concerns that when addressed add value to the process. Don’t Dismiss Critics of Change- Not everyone will be excited about change. People who resist are often perceived as inflexible obstacles to overcome. But don’t think of them simply as barriers to success. While some people do undermine change efforts, it is shortsighted to think everyone will, or even want to. Try to understand why people are resistant. Ask what they are concerned about and listen to their criticism. Doing so may uncover valid concerns that need to be addressed. Put everyone’s perspectives to use and make resisters a part of the solution.
Adapted from the Harvard ManageMentor Online Module: Change Management.
