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Why do people "Resist
Change?"
Q. I am driving some changes in my
organization. I believe the changes will be the best in the long
run. Some people don't like the changes.
What is the matter with
them? Why do people resist change? I hereby label them all
"Resistant To Change."
How can I make them accept and
embrace change?
A. It is a myth that people generally
resist change.
People enroll in and graduate from schools, learn
sports, join organizations, seek courtship and marriage, have
children, resign and accept jobs, relocate, buy and sell real
estate, go on diets, start hobbies, travel, and on and on. Very
few people return their lottery winnings because they don't want
to change their bank balance.
People initiate all sorts of
change. They dislike BEING CHANGED. They dislike change which
they view as good for the changer (you) but bad for the changee
(them).
They also see no duty to apply your logic and
values to their thought processes.
Your first step is to
look at the situation from their point of view and see if you can
convey anything about your desired change that is honestly an
advantage to "them." (Next best is to have them see
that your plan is the least disadvantageous of their
available alternatives.)
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