Change is a major part of life—and so is resistance to it. So when you inherit a team that is resistant to your new role and the changes that come with it, be prepared. Engage your resistant team with the following techniques:
- Acknowledge the change. Your employees will appreciate your candidness when you openly discuss your plans for change. Your honesty and directness will help you settle your staff’s nerves and earn their trust. Explain that it’s an adjustment for the whole team—including yourself—and you’ll learn how to adapt together.
- Talk about personal and team goals. Ask your team members what they want from the organization, from team meetings and from you as a manager. Assure them that the new team will be productive and creative under your supervision.
- Find the unofficial leaders. Undoubtedly there is a person or two on the team that the rest look up to, trust and follow. Conduct a little detective work to figure out who they are. Have a private conversation with them during which you explain your professional ethics, ideas and goals for the team. Do your best to win them over and in turn the rest will follow.
- Encourage feedback. Show your employees that you value their opinions. Ask for ideas on how to improve the team as a whole or even your own managerial style. That will encourage them take ownership of the change.
What are your best tips for gaining buy-in from your team?
[Image Source: Simon Blackley]
Filed under: Dos and Don'ts, Leadership, Loyalty Tagged: | buy-in, communication, difficult situations, respect, teams
I’ve also found that buying them pizza and donuts helps! But then I work with starving journalists. Great post, though!
AC, I don’t think it matters what industry you’re in: Food is always a great way to win people over!
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