Jesse Jacoby shares a timeless post that explains how leaders can overcome overt and covert resistance to change.
In your role as a leader, you will likely encounter resistance to change at some point from one or more of your own team members. Resistance may come from a variety of sources:
- An individual with a difficult personality
- Someone anxious about impending change
- A person who disagrees with your vision
Resistance is usually demonstrated in one of four ways, each with the potential to create roadblocks for you:
- Lack of Communication – Leaving you out of the loop in terms of key information or not discussing issues openly
- Lack of Support – Foot-dragging on key initiatives you try to implement
- Counterproductive Criticism – Being overly critical of you and your ideas
- Passive Aggressive Behavior – Agreeing to do something, but then not doing anything
The steps to overcome resistance include:
- Being alert to the signs of resistance
- How to gain an understanding of the employee’s perspective
- Defining the positive behaviors you want to see, and be clear about your expectations
- What to do if the resistance becomes habitual
Read the full article, How Leaders Can Manage Team Member Change Resistance, on the Emergent Journal website.
