How do you manage resistance in vision and mission development?

1 Understand the sources of resistance

Resistance can come from different places and for different reasons. Some people may resist because they are afraid of change, or they feel threatened by the new direction. Some may resist because they are loyal to the existing culture, or they have invested a lot in the current practices. Some may resist because they have doubts about the feasibility, effectiveness, or relevance of the vision and mission. Some may resist because they feel excluded, ignored, or disrespected by the process. To manage resistance, you need to understand where it is coming from and what it is based on. Listen to the concerns and perspectives of the resistant people, and acknowledge their feelings and experiences.

2 Involve stakeholders in the process

One of the best ways to reduce resistance is to involve stakeholders in the process of developing the vision and mission. Stakeholders are the people who are affected by or have an interest in the vision and mission, such as staff, students, parents, community members, partners, and funders. By involving stakeholders, you can build trust, ownership, and commitment. You can also gain valuable insights, feedback, and ideas from diverse perspectives and experiences. To involve stakeholders, you can use various methods, such as surveys, interviews, focus groups, workshops, forums, and committees. Make sure to communicate the purpose, goals, and expectations of the process clearly and transparently, and to provide opportunities for input, dialogue, and feedback.

3 Address the barriers and challenges

Even if you involve stakeholders in the process, you may still encounter some barriers and challenges that hinder the development of the vision and mission. Some of these barriers and challenges may be external, such as limited resources, time, or support. Some may be internal, such as conflicting interests, values, or opinions. To address these barriers and challenges, you need to be proactive, flexible, and creative. You can use strategies such as prioritizing, negotiating, compromising, problem-solving, brainstorming, and experimenting. You can also seek support from allies, mentors, coaches, or experts who can help you overcome the obstacles and find solutions.

4 Communicate the vision and mission effectively

Once you have developed the vision and mission, you need to communicate it effectively to your stakeholders and the wider audience. Communication is not a one-time event, but an ongoing process that requires consistency, clarity, and engagement. You need to communicate the vision and mission in a way that is relevant, meaningful, and compelling for your audience. You need to use different channels, formats, and styles to reach different groups and cater to different preferences and needs. You need to use stories, examples, and evidence to illustrate the vision and mission and show how it relates to the reality and aspirations of your audience. You need to invite feedback, questions, and suggestions to ensure understanding and alignment.

5 Monitor and evaluate the impact

Developing a vision and mission is not the end of the journey, but the beginning. You need to monitor and evaluate the impact of the vision and mission on your school or organization and its stakeholders. Monitoring and evaluation can help you measure the progress, outcomes, and effects of the vision and mission. It can also help you identify the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of the vision and mission. It can also help you celebrate the successes, learn from the failures, and make adjustments and improvements as needed. To monitor and evaluate the impact, you need to use indicators, data, and tools that are relevant, reliable, and valid. You also need to involve stakeholders in the process and share the results and feedback with them.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?