5 Tips for Overcoming Resistance to Process Improvement
Change is never easy. If you’ve been selected to head up the Best Practices Process Improvement project, you have come to believe in the truth of that statement. There is always some resistance to change, even when everyone knows that the changes are needed.
Here are 5 simple, but effective ways to get and keep everyone on board and moving ahead.
Tip #1: Accentuate the positive
Focus on what has been done well. We’ve never found a process that is so broken that there is nothing good about it. So instead of focusing on what needs to be fixed, focus on what needs to be maintained - with a side of what needs to be fixed. Constant & sincere praise for what’s working in the current process will engage the team from the start.
Tip #2: Clarify that this is a broken process, not broken people
Plainly state both at the outset of a project and at frequent intervals during the project, that no one is doing anything wrong. That this is a broken process, not a broken person. There are no judgements to be made, just an accurate understanding of how the process is being handled now with thoughtful feedback about how it could be improved. If you can avoid the blame game, you will have a much more productive team ready to take on changes.
Tip #3: Build on strengths
The leader of a process improvement team can decide to shore up weaknesses or build on strengths. Building on strengths is more effective every time. Make the effort to learn who has executed on various parts of the process with excellence. Seek their input and guidance when deciding on next steps. You will be rewarded both with a better process and a cheerleader for the changes.
Tip #4: Be confident – You can do this
We could put a million quotes here reiterating that having confidence in your team’s ability to reach their goal, greatly increases your chances for success… but you know that already. Communicate your confidence to the team and they will believe it too.
Last but definitely not least is
Tip #5: Keep everyone focused on the goals
Share your vision. Internalize & continually communicate the benefits that these changes will bring. Whether it is a better working environment, an exceptionally well served client, highly engaged employees or whatever your goal is – keep everyone focused on that better day ahead. A common goal is a powerful motivator for change.
Good luck!