Resistance is a natural human reaction to change, and so it can be expected that when a new strategy is adopted or a new initiative is launched in a workplace, there will be resistance of one form or another.
Because resistance can slow down an organization’s agility, which is key to its success, it is important to know how to overcome it.
When applied, the following four strategies can help you manage your expectations about change:
1. Identify the root cause of the resistance, and then address it.
One of the most common reasons for resistance is fear of failure or fear of the unknown. If fear, for example, is the reason for resistance, it can be assuaged by altering your team’s perception of the change through association with a more personal benefit.
2. Communicate early and often.
Resistance to change frequently happens when assumptions are made because people do not have all the facts. Provide your teams with an honest explanation for the change as quickly as possible, and follow it up with involvement by asking for feedback and incorporating ideas, simultaneously building a sense of ownership.
3. Equip your teams with tools to ensure their success.
Resistance to change often occurs when teams are unprepared. Provide them with the resources they need to succeed, which may include training and/or equipment.
4. Delegate Champions of Change.
In the early stages, pick a cohort of champions who are catalysts and who will champion the project and coach others.
Change can be challenging, but when managed effectively, it can bring teams together, increase efficiency and productivity, and reduce costs. Let HybridChart make it easy by helping you embrace the process.
Unhappy with your current mobile charge capture technology and looking to change to a comprehensive rounding solution? Learn how HybridChart’s implementation team makes changing software easy by clicking here.
- More About Dr. Sanders
Dr. Gregory Sanders is a Harvard-trained, practicing cardiologist and founder and CEO of HybridChart. He has been coding since the 1980s and has spent his medical career focusing on improving processes. His patient care skills earned him recognition as one of Phoenix Magazine’s TOP DOCs. He lives in Scottsdale with his family.