Build acceptance
15 – 20 min.
Pen and paper
Alone or with others
If you want to initiate change, it is important that people keep moving forward. How can you reduce resistance and convert it into movement.
Resistance
People often resist change because it brings discomfort. It is important that they take part in the process, rather than just confronting them with an intimidating, detailed plan that they cannot connect to. Let them participate, it builds co-ownership.
Tell them your idea as soon as possible, be concrete and specific and invite them to then co-create further.
Work on trust
Be transparent. This instills confidence. If people understand what you are aiming for, they will participate (and be quicker to do so).
Step into their shoes and try to think about what their concerns and worries could be? Prepare yourself.
Make it very clear what the advantages of your plan will be. Which problem will it solve?
Give space for their thoughts, concerns, and worries. Listen to them. Make space for active participation in the development and implementation phases.
Collaborate
It helps if you don’t just ‘send’ information. Make sure that you take an active role, let them experience part of your idea. Stimulate discussion. Create regular oppurtunities for them to add to the plan.
The exercize ‘View of all Involved’ can build a good idea of key persons.
Prepare and put into words
If you arrange a meeting, it is helpful to first answer the questions below.
My plan/idea is…
My ‘audience’ is…
Who are important assisters to invite?
Which problem(s) do I solve for this audience?
What kind of resistance can I expect?
What kind of concerns and worries will my audience have?
What can I do to minimize this resistance?
What do I expect from my audience?
What are my expectations of this meeting?
When will I be satisfied with the result?
Who can help me to make this meeting successful?
When and how am I going to invite my audience?
Inspired by Min Basadur