Dealing with Change Resisters

Overcoming resistance to change is a popular and yet often poorly-framed topic.

Some resistance shouldn't be overcome. Some resisters have valid points. To dismiss them as moss-backs who are afraid of progress can be a huge mistake. Although they may not be as glib as the change advocates, neither are they fools and their concerns deserve an objective hearing.

The impatience that drives many change advocates will flow against such "due process." They want change now and unwisely envision it as something that needs to be hammered through the organization. When they listen to the resisters, they make two mistakes:

1. They listen only to what is said, not for what is meant.
2. They do not consider what reality would have to resemble in order for the resister's position to be reasonable.

Both approaches are crucial. The resisters may be saying one thing but, hidden within their comments, may be a very different concern. Likewise, their resistance may not be to the proposed change itself but to the context they see encompassing the change.

Savvy advocates of change will avoid those mistakes and will actively fight the temptation to label their opponents. Once labeling begins, communication starts to shrink and the resistance movement does not disappear; it goes underground.