Your team is resistant to a new strategy rollout. How can you persuade them of its benefits?

To persuade your team, start by identifying the root causes of their resistance through open dialogue and active listening. Create a safe space for team members to voice their concerns without interruption. Highlight shared goals and past successes to build unity and trust. Collaborate on a revised plan that incorporates their input. Provide necessary support, monitor progress, and celebrate small wins to boost morale and confidence.

One way you can help your team overcome resistance to a new strategy is by highlighting how their buy-in and efforts will contribute to the success of the company. Reframing the strategy rollout as an opportunity for your department to make a tangible contribution to the broader vision can help reduce resistance to change.

An example I've seen is when a team was hesitant about a new digital transformation strategy. The key to persuading them was to clearly articulate the benefits. This involved demonstrating how the strategy would streamline operations, improve customer service, and ultimately increase profitability. It was also important to address their concerns and provide reassurances about the transition process. By focusing on the 'why' behind the strategy, the team was able to understand its value and became more open to the change.

This reminds me of the book 'Start with Why'. When you start with why it gives you a sense of purpose. You align your team towards the common goal and it is much powerful than we think. On any project I always start with why and explain the outcome to see if that drives enough interest. Sometimes, it goes reverse, the team explains me the WHY is not compelling enough to continue a new initiative. Either way, it is important.

This is an often underutilised part of winning's people hearts in almost anything, especially strategy. Behavioral studies consistently show the bias known as an "endowment effect" - the more people invest in something or believe they own it, the higher they praise the item (both figuratively and literally - as in $). Making as many people as possible contribute to the strategy, goals, and mission not only helps you align but makes the strategy everyone's child (whether they like it or not). The best way to "sell" something is to make your "client" coauthor it - ask them for advice, suggestions, improvements, and any voluntary participation. Show that you praise and use it, not just toss it away.