How do you deal with stakeholder resistance or change aversion in product development?

1 Understand their perspective

The first step to deal with stakeholder resistance or change aversion is to understand where they are coming from. What are their goals, pain points, assumptions, and preferences? How do they perceive the value and impact of your product? How do they react to change and uncertainty? By empathizing with their perspective, you can identify the root causes of their resistance or aversion and address them accordingly.

2 Communicate clearly and frequently

The second step to deal with stakeholder resistance or change aversion is to communicate clearly and frequently with them. Don't wait until the end of the product development cycle to share your progress, feedback, and results. Instead, involve them early and often, and keep them updated on your rationale, hypotheses, and evidence. Use simple and concise language, avoid jargon and technical details, and use visuals and stories to illustrate your points. Also, listen to their feedback, questions, and concerns, and acknowledge their input.

4 Manage expectations and trade-offs

The fourth step to deal with stakeholder resistance or change aversion is to manage their expectations and trade-offs. Don't promise more than you can deliver, but be realistic and transparent about what you can and can't do. Explain the scope, timeline, and resources of your product development project, and the assumptions and constraints that you face. Also, explain the trade-offs that you have to make, and how they affect the quality, functionality, and usability of your product. Be prepared to negotiate and compromise, but also stand your ground when necessary.

5 Provide support and guidance

The fifth step to deal with stakeholder resistance or change aversion is to provide support and guidance to them. Don't leave them in the dark or expect them to adapt to your product changes on their own. Instead, offer them training, documentation, and assistance to help them use your product effectively and efficiently. Also, provide them with feedback channels, such as surveys, reviews, or forums, to collect their opinions and suggestions. And, celebrate their achievements, successes, and milestones with your product.

6 Learn and improve

The sixth and final step to deal with stakeholder resistance or change aversion is to learn and improve from your experience. Don't take their resistance or aversion personally, but use it as an opportunity to grow and enhance your product development skills. Reflect on what worked and what didn't, and what you can do better next time. Also, solicit feedback from your stakeholders, and incorporate their insights and ideas into your product development process. And, thank them for their collaboration, trust, and support.

7 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?