Get People On Board with Your Ideas
Have you ever struggled to get your colleagues on board with your ideas? When facing resistance, it’s crucial to understand what underlying concerns are driving their hesitation. Here are some common reasons you might meet resistance — along with questions to overcome them.
When someone resists your idea or isn’t getting it. Don’t get defensive. Instead, ask for their candid reaction to understand what’s informing their position. This could sound as simple as, “How is this idea landing with you?” or “What are some specific risks that worry you?” Once you see what they’re seeing, you can present a more tailored argument — and you might even uncover some gaps in your own thinking.
When the conversation becomes adversarial. When your idea is at odds with your collaborator’s, summarize and verify their points. For example: “I hear you saying that you believe X for Y reason. Is that right?” This simple strategy interrupts the point-counterpoint dynamic and makes the tone more collaborative.
When their “no” puts you in a bind. Disclose your dilemma, then pose a question that invites them to work with you to solve it. For example, “If we don’t do what I’m suggesting, I worry that we’ll run out of time and resources. How would you approach this?” Questions like these will both encourage the other person to empathize with your situation and potentially lead to better ideas.
Read the article: "How to Get Your Colleagues On Board with Your Idea," by Jeff Wetzler
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Commercial & Contracts Manager ▬ Operation Leader ▬ Construction Scaffolding Services
1dSuccess in teamwork requires understanding and addressing concerns. When colleagues resist ideas, it’s important to understand their perspective and address any worries they have. Instead of becoming defensive, empathize and restate their points to create a collaborative atmosphere. When faced with obstacles, share your concerns and invite input to find solutions together. As Rumi said, "Yesterday I was clever, so I wanted to change the world. Today I am wise, so I am changing myself." Empathy and open dialogue can turn resistance into progress.
Leading individuals and organizations to thrive in work, love and play through psychoanalytic ideas.
1wImportant article! If we look behind the resistance, we’re more likely to understand the resistance. Very often there is an imbalance of power, real or imagined. There lies the opportunity to make systemic changes that are collaborative and can include others in a dialogue.
Senior Pre-Litigation / Accounts Receivable Specialist
1wVery informative. I’m in the middle lol
Understanding the root cause of hesitation is absolutely key to fostering a collaborative environment. Especially appreciate the point about acknowledging a "no" and then working together.
Founder at Beyondplus Investments LLC | Accomplished Business Executive | Expert in Investment, Cost Control, and Risk Management
3wGreat insights! Understanding the root causes of resistance and fostering a collaborative dialogue can truly transform challenging conversations into productive ones. I especially appreciate the emphasis on asking open-ended questions to uncover concerns and co-create solutions. That way not only do we strengthen relationships but can also lead to more innovative and well-rounded outcomes.