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3 Proven Ways to Overcome Resistance to Change

Change is inevitable in any organization, but that doesn’t make it easy. Resistance can stall progress, create friction within teams, and impact overall morale. However, with the right strategies, you can turn even the staunchest resisters into champions of change!

In this article, we will explore three proven ways to overcome resistance and help your organization move forward with confidence:

1. Activate Your Influencers

In any organization, certain individuals have a strong influence over their peers. Among these influencers are those who commonly resist change. At Wonder Services, we call these influential resisters, “convert champions.” 

While a convert champion’s resistance might seem like a roadblock, it can actually be a strategic asset. When others see these individuals accepting change, they will notice and are more likely to follow suit. Below are a few strategies to “convert” your powerful, but resistant, influencers:

Identify your convert champions: Start by identifying the individuals in your organization who are known to resist change. These are the people who others look to for guidance—whether it's because of their seniority, experience, or outspoken nature. Once you've pinpointed them, work with someone they trust to begin conversations.

Meet regularly: We recommend having your convert champions regularly meet one-on-one with someone they trust to express their concerns and criticisms. These sessions provide a safe space for them to share feedback, which will be crucial to the success of your transformation. By listening and addressing their concerns, you demonstrate that their opinions are valued, and you create an opportunity to turn skepticism into support.

Involve them in the process: One of the most effective ways to convert these individuals is to give them a role in the change initiative. This could involve inviting them to contribute to the project’s design or asking them to review communications before they are sent to the wider team. By involving them in the process, you help them take ownership of the change, which increases the likelihood that they’ll support it.

When even a few of your convert champions shift their stance, the ripple effect can be profound. The very people who once resisted will now be advocates, encouraging others to embrace the change as well.

2. Help Resisters Feel Heard

One of the most common reasons for resistance is feeling unheard or ignored. To overcome this, it’s critical to give resisting groups or departments a platform to voice their concerns in a structured and productive way.

Host open forums and Q&A sessions: Optional group meetings provide resisters with the opportunity to express their concerns, ask questions, and hear directly from leadership. These forums should be a safe space where employees feel comfortable sharing their honest thoughts. During one of our recent projects, we provided a particularly resistant team with Q&A sessions. Some team members listened quietly, while others voiced strong opposition. Over time, these forums allowed us to address concerns head-on and build trust within the team.

Lead with empathy: It’s important to acknowledge that resistance often comes from fear—fear of losing relevance, fear of failure, or fear of the unknown. By listening and empathizing, you show that you value their input and are willing to work through their concerns. 

For example, in one of our previous projects, the strongest resister eventually became an advocate for the new technology after re-experiencing the outdated system still being used by another team. Her shift in attitude not only helped her own team but also encouraged other departments within the company to feel more comfortable, and even excited, about the change.

Keep it optional: Avoid making these sessions mandatory. When attendance is forced, resisters may become passive-aggressive or disengaged. By keeping the sessions voluntary, you attract people who genuinely want to learn more or have their voices heard.

3. Give Resisters Options

During times of change, one of the most effective ways to reduce resistance is to give individuals a sense of control. People naturally resist when they feel forced into something but providing options can help ease the transition.

Offer autonomy in the change process: Whenever possible, give employees choices related to the change. For example, you might ask, “How would you like to be trained? Would you prefer an online module, in-person training, or a hybrid approach?” Offering options gives people the power to decide how they’ll adapt, which can alleviate anxiety and help them feel more in control.

Help them own their path: The more autonomy people have throughout the change process, the more likely they are to take ownership of the outcomes. When individuals can say, "I chose this path," they feel more empowered and less resistant to the change.

Be mindful of emotional resistance: It’s important to recognize that some resistance comes from emotional stress. When people feel overwhelmed, they may not be thinking logically. A neuroscientist colleague of ours, Alison Leverett-Morris, explained that stress can cause people to “go limbic,” meaning they operate from a fight-or-flight response rather than rational thought. In these cases, don’t rush to offer solutions or push for decisions. Instead, help them feel understood and supported until they’re ready to engage logically.

Every employee reacts to change differently, and even the most rational individuals can be temporarily derailed by stress. By giving them options and understanding their emotional responses, you can guide them through the process more smoothly.

In Conclusion…

Change can be challenging, but resistance doesn’t have to be an insurmountable obstacle. By activating your key influencers, making sure resisters feel heard, and giving them the autonomy to choose how they engage with the process, you can turn resistance into an opportunity for growth. When handled correctly, even the most resistant voices can become powerful advocates for the changes you need to implement.

At Wonder Services, we understand that every organization experiences resistance differently, and we’re ready to help you turn that resistance into an opportunity for growth. Contact us today to discover how we can partner with you to transform resistance into a driving force for lasting success and impactful change within your organization.