Your team is resistant to change. How can you involve them in decision-making to empower them?

In a previous project, my team was resistant to a significant process change. To overcome this, I involved them in the decision-making process by actively seeking their feedback on the proposed changes. I organized a series of meetings where everyone could voice their concerns and suggest improvements. By implementing some of their ideas and keeping communication transparent, the team felt more invested in the change. Additionally, I provided training to help them adapt to the new processes. This approach turned initial skeptics into advocates, leading to a smoother transition.

“Tell me & I forget, teach me & I may remember, involve me & I learn” In my experience Involving your team early in the decision-making process can empower them and reduce resistance to change. Start by creating a sense of ownership—engage team members in identifying issues and crafting solutions. When they have a stake in the outcome, they’re more likely to support the change. Ensure open, transparent communication. Regularly update your team, and encourage sharing thoughts and concerns to build trust. Form "design and build" teams led by key change agents to develop core strategies, and involve managers in implementation. Communicate, Communicate , Communicate to ensure everyone understands the change & sees the new direction clearly.

Resistance Management, as it were, is essential to effective Change Management. As stated above, Communication is essential, with key elements that include staff inputs such as: 1. As is state - let's agree on where we're at with Sales, Costs or situation or whichever issue on deck. 2. Future state- as the famous line from Alice in Wonderland goes, "if you don't know where you're going, any road will get you there." While the general direction is likely to have been decided by the Executive Team, it can be immensely helpful and expeditious to confer on "The How" with the team who's likely to implement the new prigram.