Stranger in a Strange Land – Accepting the Impossible
Sometimes I feel like I’ve arrived on earth having spent my formative years being brought up by Martians on a world where things were possible simply because everyone already did those things. And now I’m on earth wanting to do things only to be told, “That won’t work?” or “I’ve never seen that work before”.
Harrumph!
I hate being around naysayers. I abhor being around people who say, “That’s not how we’ve done it in the past.” And I particularly struggle to show grace to those who simply don’t want to try new things just because we might have a spectacular failure.
What is it that people are afraid of? Why is change such a scary thing? What is it about the chance of failure that makes people want to keep getting the results they’re getting even when they’re not happy with those outcomes?
As a leader, how do I motivate others, (both under my leadership and those who I report to), to take a chance? How do I get them to accept… no welcome… no embrace and seek change?
I figure it takes a few steps but I’m sure I’ve missed some things out. So, as you read through these, feel free to exclaim. “I disagree,” or “You need to include this step too!” and include them via the comments section.
1. Get people to Buy-in to the Vision
Even before discussion on doing something different, if you want people to embrace it, they need to both know why it needs to happen and be excited about where you’re all heading.
Simply put, people need to know that any hardship and sacrifice that any change will bring, (and it inevitably will), the benefits on the other side are more than worth it.
2. Get people to Own the Change
People need to know they’ve had input and been a part of the process when change is going to affect their lives. Involve them in the process AND communicate the decisions that come out of the process.
3. Give people Time to Accept the Change
After the communication people still need time to get to a stage where they can embrace the change.
4. Communicate the Success Stories
When changes are made problems will always follow. Expect them! But know that the pain of the problems will be felt by all the people involved in the change.
So tell them about the successes that are happening. This is where they know that the benefits they dream for are worth the sacrifices they’re making to get there.
Feel Free to Disagree
I think the steps you’ve shown have been used time and time again, and I think they’ve also been successful time and time again – -in different ways. The problem with change is that not everyone views it the way you do, and not everyone has the same belief system or inclination to -want- to change.
I often find those who are open-minded are some of the most close-minded people I have met. Sometimes I meet people who claim to be extremely tolerant and are anything but tolerant,and so forth…
Anyway, change is the one thing that will always be constant. Rather we’re aware of it happening or not – - in ourselves, around us, and to the world. Some of us are just more capable of seeing and accepting that more than others.