Give critics a chance to be heard

August 6, 2012

Q My team implemented a company-wide technology change and a small but vocal group of detractors is publicly criticizing the move which is thwarting uptake. How do I get their buy in?

A dissension is normal and creative conflict can lead to valuable improvements when harnessed. Invite the core group to meet with you and other key leaders to voice their alternate viewpoints. Have a few former resisters attend to explain how they overcame their doubts and the ensuing benefits they discovered by opting in.

Set the meeting tone by appreciating their willingness to attend and share. Explain the intended purpose and out-come of the platform change and reiterate that it is here to stay. At the same time, state your commitment to hear their feedback and ease their challenges during the transition phase.

During the meeting, keep the dialogue focused on issues, not on people.

Strive to hear the value, insight and good in their viewpoints.

Remain calm, neutral and objective. Resist judging their opinions or defending yours.

Let disagreements emerge, remain curious and open. Recognize that the emotional stress of any adjustment period can result in a need to vent. Most often people want their views to be heard, accepted and validated, they are not expecting your agreement.

While you may not convert all of the naysayers, your goal is to create enough safety and comfort for them to bring issues directly to you rather than the public.

Schedule regular followup meetings to ensure you remain on common ground going forward.

If handled appropriately, the staunchest opponents can become your greatest advocates.

Originally published in The Province, August 5, 2012

Posted by jonimar | Filed Under Coach's Corner | 2 Comments 

Lost Generation

May 17, 2009

This video demonstrates how easily we can believe our perception is ‘The Truth.’   At the same time, it also highlights how there isn’t “One Truth” only different interpretations of something.

There is only ‘our truth.’  And ‘our truth’ is not even that reliable.  It shifts with our perceptions.  That means ‘truth’ can change from one moment to the next depending on the facts at hand.  Even more importantly- by the facts we choose to give credence to as well as the facts we conveniently choose to ignore in the moment.

When I watched this video for the first time, I felt growing sadness and despondency about how this generation views their world and the legacy they are creating.

Then just as quickly my opinion got turned around 180 degrees to embrace a complete different perspective.

I learned how susceptible I am to being persuaded by a compelling point of view.  Once I emotionally connect to it, I can be drawn into believing it to be “the truth”.  It is so important to stay present and conscious that ‘my truth’ is only one perspective of many.  All of which may be valid and right.

This is where coaching is so powerful.  When ‘your truth’ isn’t serving you, your coach can reveal to you what truth you have adopted- perhaps unconsciously.  You can examine the results you have been achieving based on your assumption or ‘truth.’  Then just like in this video, you can consciously choose to alter your beliefs, behaviours and actions to create more effective results.

This is one way we will change the world.

Posted by jonimar | Filed Under Inspiration | Leave a Comment