Glossary · Change & people
Resistance to change
People's natural reluctance when things change.
Resistance to change is people's natural reluctance when something changes. Someone who has worked in a certain way for years does not give up that habit just like that. It is not unwillingness, but a human reaction to uncertainty.
Behind resistance there is usually a reason worth hearing. It may be the fear of no longer being in control of the work, doubt about whether the change really is better, or the impression that decisions are being made over people's heads. Those who take these reasons seriously often discover useful insights and not just grumbling.
You do not tackle resistance with force, but with explanation and involvement. Explain why the change is needed, listen to the objections and give people the time and support to come along. That is often how opposition turns into cooperation.
