How to Overcome Resistance to Change

INTRODUCTION

In business, the one constant is change. Whether dictated by new regulations, competitive pressures, new products, new processes and systems, or a merger of two businesses, organizational change must be managed effectively to achieve its goals. Everyone knows this; yet despite this understanding, research by McKinsey & Company confirms that the change failure rate of 70% in all organizations has remained constant for the last two decades. Whatever change methodology is used – and there are plenty, from Kotter’s 8-step model, through Beckhard & Harris, Lewin’s three-stage model, and Prosci’s Enterprise Change Management, and more – the failure rate remains at around 70%. So, if the methodology of change management doesn’t alter the outcome, what is the major cause of failures? Resistance to change – the number one cause of change management failures An organization’s board does not instigate a change program without good reason. This change must then be implemented by managers. Unfortunately, these managers often don’t possess the skills or training to overcome resistance to change. The benefits of the change are not communicated effectively, and employees are mismanaged through turbulent times.

Why are many people resistant to change? There are many reasons why people are resistant to change, but it is too easy to dismiss this resistance as being caused by disruption. Yes, people prefer stability. They don’t like being taken out of their comfort zones. When forced to do something alien to them, people become resistant. Yet people face change in their daily lives almost without end. Moving home, changing jobs, having children, children leaving home, switching sports clubs… the list of changes is almost constant. How is it that people face personal change, overcome their fears, and create their own successes? What stops them from doing the same in their professional and working lives? Understanding the answer to this question will help managers create strategies to overcome resistance to change.