From Resistance to Participation

Change in our organizations is a constant occurrence; the pace seems to have picked up. I suspect this will be true for the rest of our working lifetimes. As our organizations and communities are becoming part of the global economy, resistance is still the currency.

Leaders tell me that implementing change is like pushing a several-ton boulder uphill; they are acting against resistance. Pushing uphill is tough enough; the people in their organizations are also pushing on the other side of the bolder, avoiding change, complaining and thwarting the uphill efforts. For every foot uphill, the organization is moving two feet downhill.

Do you feel it too? You’re wearing down. Pushing has taken its toll. You are pushing alone, against so much resistance, and it’s darned hard work. It doesn’t have to be this way.

Inviting

There isn’t a better time to stop pushing change and start inviting it. The word “invitation” is spacious and accepting; but it may also make you feel vulnerable. Rest assured that inviting participation in change beats the alternative of heavy pushing and the loneliness of doing it all by yourself.

Inviting others presupposes that some of those you solicit will RSVP in the affirmative, some will provide “regrets” and some will refuse to respond. As an organizational leader, you must be willing to accept all responses (or non-responses) and lead together with those who choose to participate.

Those who provide regrets or don’t respond must not suffer consequences. They simply choose not to participate; perhaps in some not- too- distant future, they will.

Participating

So call a meeting. Invite everyone who might care about making things better. Explain the dilemma of resistance you’re experiencing. Ask:

  • If you were the leader, what would you do in this situation?
  • What can we do better, faster, and less expensively?
  • Who else needs to be included in this conversation?
  • What are we willing to try?
  • Who is willing to help?
  • Where do we start?

Ahh…..feel the resistance changing to participation? Can you smell collaboration and teamwork in the air?

Continue reading here: Reflecting On Your 360 Degree Feedback

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