Re: Resistance to change LO563

Dmweston@aol.com
Mon, 27 Mar 1995 23:03:16 -0500

A conversation with an internal info systems consultant at Hewlett-Packard
about a year ago really shook my mental model about resistance to change.
This person stated with equanimity: "There is no such thing as resistance
to change." After confirming that I had heard him right, I asked how he
came to that conclusion. He said, when I encounter resistance to an idea
or approach that I am suggesting, I stop and think, What is it about this
person's experience and his/her current situation that makes him or her
react this way? What can I learn about this person's experience and
situation such that I can frame a response to meet his or her perspective?

Wow. What a powerful idea. This starting point takes personal
responsibility and gives respect to the individual. I saw it as an
example of starting with the assumption that every person is doing the
best they can given their experience and the context in which they are
operating. Working from this assumption, we seek more info on the other
person's perspective and needs, and work with them collaboratively instead
of from a position of hierarchy or authority.

The idea of resistance to change is a given in organizational development
circles, and there are endless discussions about how to overcome it.
Lately, whenever I find myself thinking of something as a given, I ask
myself the opposite question, just to keep from always falling prey to
conventional wisdom.

There is no such thing as resistance to change... something to think
about...

Diane Weston
DMWeston@AOL.COM