Last updated on Jul 5, 2024

You're facing resistance to feedback-driven changes. How can you get your team on board?

When introducing new changes based on feedback, it's common to encounter some resistance from your team. Understanding this resistance and effectively managing it is crucial for successful implementation. Feedback-driven changes can lead to significant improvements, but only if your team is fully on board. Let's explore how you can navigate this challenge and foster an environment of collaboration and acceptance.

1 Understand Concerns

Listening is the first step in overcoming resistance. When your team pushes back against feedback-driven changes, it's important to understand their concerns. Open a dialogue to discover the root of their hesitation. Is it fear of the unknown, a lack of understanding regarding the benefits, or concerns about increased workload? By genuinely listening and acknowledging their feelings, you create a safe space for honest communication, which is the foundation of strong teamwork.

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2 Communicate Benefits

Once you understand your team's concerns, clearly communicate the benefits of the changes. Highlight how feedback-driven improvements can lead to better outcomes for the team and individual members. Emphasize that these changes are not arbitrary but are based on real input aimed at making everyone's work more effective and satisfying. This understanding can transform resistance into cooperation as team members see the value in what's being proposed.

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3 Involve Everyone

Involvement breeds commitment. Encourage your team to be part of the change process by soliciting their ideas on how to implement feedback effectively. When team members feel like they have a stake in the outcome, they're more likely to support the change. This collaborative approach not only eases the transition but also leverages diverse perspectives to refine and improve the changes being made.

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Mitchell Blair

AWS @ Pax8
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In business and in life, you want volunteers not hostages. You want people to have the sense they are driving the business, not a passenger. Get your team into this mindset when setting feedback driven change. For change to be effective, 100% commitment is needed and that commitment stems from the belief in people driving the change.

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4 Offer Support

Change can be daunting, so offer ample support. Provide training, resources, and an open-door policy for questions and concerns. When your team knows that they have the support they need to succeed, they'll be more open to adopting new methods. This support reassures them that they're not alone in the transition and that help is available whenever they need it.

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Mitchell Blair

AWS @ Pax8
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It’s much easier to ask a single person for support or even AI/Internet than it is a group for support. Speaking to a group might be intimidating, like posting something in a team’s channel. But that is where you will get the highest quality feedback. Some people are reservoirs of knowledge, but knowledge is also cultural and should be shared and this allows for knowledge transparency.

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5 Celebrate Progress

Recognizing small wins is vital for maintaining morale and momentum. Celebrate milestones in the implementation of feedback-driven changes to show appreciation for your team's efforts. This recognition reinforces positive behavior and demonstrates that progress is being made, which can motivate your team to continue embracing the changes.

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Mitchell Blair

AWS @ Pax8
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Growth is an individual heuristic. To create strong teams, you have to grow individuals, and focus at that level. Trying to grow “the team” leads to cannibalism of values for the sake of image. Attitude is the most importantly factor for a growth mindset, and the hungrier the individuals are to grow the better. Celebrate them as they grow, whether they are in the beginning of their career or they are seasoned and stepping into a new discipline. Everyone should be celebrated for embracing challenge in life.

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6 Adjust as Needed

Finally, be prepared to adjust your approach based on ongoing feedback from your team. If certain aspects of the changes aren't working as well as expected, be willing to iterate and improve. This flexibility shows your team that their feedback is valued not just in theory but in practice, which can further reduce resistance and enhance teamwork.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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You're facing resistance to feedback-driven changes. How can you get your team on board?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Understand Concerns

2 Communicate Benefits

3 Involve Everyone

4 Offer Support

5 Celebrate Progress

6 Adjust as Needed

7 Here’s what else to consider

Teamwork

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You're facing resistance to feedback-driven changes. How can you get your team on board?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Understand Concerns

2 Communicate Benefits

3 Involve Everyone

4 Offer Support

5 Celebrate Progress

6 Adjust as Needed

7 Here’s what else to consider

Teamwork

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

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