Transforming Staff Pushback into Forward Momentum

Transforming Staff Pushback into MomentumYou’ve designed a new initiative. The initiative will rocket you from the doldrums to your vision. Yet, staff resists the change. They’re not holding a sit-in in your office, but they might as well be.

Staff pushback persists because rewards for resistance exist. Some rewards are spontaneous and simple, such as conserving energy. Others reflect complex behavior patterns, perhaps springing from long-ago staff-management shuffles.

What can you do to change pushback into momentum?

Giving in Builds Calluses 

First, don’t give in. When staff holler and you drop back, you reward resistance. You teach that opposition works.

Instead, show the truth. Staff resistance generates more work for everyone. “Everyone’s inviting three people,” you reply to a complaint. “Let talk about whom you’ll invite and how.” Plus, you add, sharing the work, “I’d like you to share what you discover at Monday’s staff meeting.”

Add Value

Don’t stop there. Digging in your heels without adding value breeds revolution. Consider the “why” behind the complaints. Then use this added value to strengthen the initiative. Keep digging around your initiative until you uncover staff wins.

Then get those benefits in the light. For instance, you announce that anyone who joins your legacy society attends legacy events as guests. Non-legacy staff members, of course, continue to work the event.

Pass Out Gold Stars 

Remember when your teacher put gold stars on your papers? Teachers gave gold stars to students who excelled. Like your teachers, award “gold stars” to those who excel at your initiative. For example, a staff member brings in a research article that supports the initiative. Please give them a gold star, that is, a shout-out at your staff meeting.

Blow up Resistance                                                             

Imagine you’re working on an exciting new initiative. When you arrive at your office, the staff is eager to tell you about their successes. You can turn pushback into momentum. Don’t give in. Add value. Pass out gold stars.

More Resources 

Video Dealing with Staff Pushback

Post Getting Staff to Move in the Right Direction, Are You at Risk of Running Aground Instead of Reaching Your Vision?

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Author
Karen Eber Davis

Karen Eber Davis Consulting guides executive directors and CEOs to generate the resources, boards, and support they need to make remarkable progress on their missions. As the award-winning thought-leader, advisor, and founding principal of Karen Eber Davis Consulting, Karen helps nonprofit leaders get answers, generate revenue, and grow their mission. Davis is known for her innovation and practicality based on her work with or visits to over 1,000 nonprofit organizations and her experience leading board and team events. She is the author of 7 Nonprofit Income Streams and Let's Raise Nonprofit Millions Together.