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When it comes to change, psychologists tell us that about 30% of people instinctively dig in and fight to avoid the change. It’s as if wiring inside of them

sets off a warning alarm that clamors, “Something is about to be taken away from me!” How can you work best with these Change Avoiders?

Here are 12 smart ideas:

Try to pinpoint specific reasons for resistance to a particular change.
Listen and try to understand their concerns – their pessimism in this case may be well founded.
Respect that their resistance can be based on both feelings and past experiences.
Provide training and opportunities for new positive experiences.
Keep your word.
Partner them with people who have embraced the new change.
Avoid giving them a high visibility position assuming the change will “bring them around” faster.
Avoid the trap of devoting more energy to this group than to the Embracers and Acceptors.
Accept that it’s unlikely you’ll gain the support of everyone.
Don’t back them into a corner that forces them to “prove” your idea won’t work.
Never tolerate insubordination or sabotage that undermines the organization.
Smile more.

If you would like a list of these 12 smart tips for working with Change Avoiders, be sure to copy it from the Smarter by the Minute web site at DAER.com. And

for a copy of all 3 sets of smart tips, just e-mail us at Doug@DougSmart.com.

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