How to Handle Employee Resistance to Change

Like all owners/managers, you want to see your business vision materialize. To play the game, to achieve your vision, to turn it into a reality, you've got to capture the hearts, minds, and imaginations of all of your people.

Eventually, there comes a point where you have to get your entire team involved in the game. Some people may be reluctant to participate or will resist for their own reasons. It's not unusual for some of your employees to not react as favorably as you'd like them to.

Since this is usually due to underlying fears about what change can mean to them, you'll want a method to help them move through whatever is in their way. One method is to hold one-to-one business development meetings. They can help minimize fear and assist your people in facing change with strength and maturity.

Use these tips when holding meetings with employees who are not yet on board with the vision.

  • Position changes in the employees self-interests.
  • Help your employees focus on what they really want (help them work on a personal mission).
  • Clearly state employees past accomplishments and positive attributes.
  • Give employees the permission and opportunity to speak freely.
  • Stay calm when you hear something you don't agree with, don't over-react.
  • Be firm in your commitment to build the business.

By holding these meetings, you'll lower the resistance and increase the likelihood of your employees playing a game that's really worth playing. The truth is that you can't do it alone!