Embracing resistance fuels progress.
Resistance signals impact. I value that. Though sometimes illogical or even self-serving, it's feedback nonetheless and feedback is a privilege.
I've learned to welcome resistance.
At @semrush change is constant (and a core value)!
And we've been changing, a lot. With that level of change it requires us to be thoughtful about implementation. We're rightfully meant with resistance along the way and have framed it as a constructive step.
There's 3 tactics I'll swear by:
- Bring in stakeholders earlier. Whenever you're thinking, earlier than that.
- Keep everyone informed. Not only for "big updates", but a predictable schedule.
- Recognize early adopters. This group might just be the reason you succeed.
Critics of change care about getting it right. They see the pitfalls others miss because they live it every day.
Whoever your change is impacting, they deserve to know why.
Even though you may have personally embraced the change, those most impacted may not feel the same.
People want to know they're being heard. Which is an important step to getting buy-in
I've done this through tracking the feedback received and following up. Whether I implemented the change or not, the goal was to ensure the stakeholder knew our decision and exactly why.
Still struggling with the resistance, pause and ask yourself...
- What specifically makes this behavior resistance?
- How will the change impact their daily operations?
- What am I assuming they know about the change?
- When was my last communication and what was it's value?
Listen to those who resist, they're your ticket to improvement.
#resistance #change