What do you do if your brand strategy feedback is met with resistance?

Approach the situation with empathy, understanding, and strategic communication. Here are a few tips I use: - Actively listen to the concerns and perspectives of those resisting the feedback to gain insights into underlying issues. - Clearly articulate the rationale behind the feedback, aligning it with broader organizational goals if necessary. - Back up feedback with data to demonstrate its validity, effectiveness, and objectivity. - Encourage stakeholder collaboration and involvement in the strategy development process to foster consensus and ownership. Navigating resistance requires patience and persistence. By incorporating these tips into your approach, I believe you can effectively address concerns and advance your brand strategy.

When met with resistance to your brand strategy, it's essential to adopt a mindset of active listening. Instead of immediately jumping to defend your strategy, take the time to genuinely understand the concerns and perspectives of those expressing resistance. Listening doesn't imply agreement; rather, it demonstrates respect for differing viewpoints and fosters an environment conducive to constructive dialogue. By listening attentively, you can glean valuable insights that may inform adjustments to your strategy or help you better articulate its rationale.

When facing pushback on your brand strategy, prioritize active listening. This means truly understanding the other side's concerns without getting defensive. It fosters respect and opens doors to collaboration, potentially improving your strategy.

Identificar dentro de la estrategia que se encuentra en marcha esos puntos que no están generando el engagement que se esperaba; es decir, realizar una evaluación y revisión exhaustiva sobre esos puntos que están generando ruido. Generalmente los creadores de esas estrategias suelen enamorarse de esa idea de implementación y ejecución por eso es importante una escucha activa y colboración colectiva que permita considerar diferentes puntos de vista para la alineación y reactivación del proyecto.

A new brand strategy needs stakeholders buy-in, that often means approaching the conversation with data-driven insights and market/ competitor research etc. that supports the proposal. Additionally, listening to concerns are key to understanding how to navigate the conversation, sometimes it is functional comments which can be remedied with research/ insights, while sometimes it's about tapping into emotional intelligence as comments might be made from a place of frustration or fear of change... The ability to show respect and have a productive debate requires listening and patience, it is less about defending every aspect of the strategy but educating on the why and leaning into the feedback you are given to convince your audience.

Resistance often arises when there's a lack of alignment between stakeholders regarding the overarching goals and objectives of the brand. Take the opportunity to reaffirm and clarify the core goals driving your brand strategy. By ensuring that all parties involved have a shared understanding of the brand's mission, vision, and strategic direction, you can reframe the conversation within the context of these objectives. This clarification serves as a guiding framework for evaluating the relevance and effectiveness of your strategy in achieving desired

The discovery session is crucial for me because it sets the direction for the entire branding project and working relationship. If the client pushes back on my strategy presentation, it's a good time to revisit the project goals outlined in the branding brief. One helpful question I like to ask at the beginning of every project while preparing the brief is 'What does success look like to you?' Sometimes, the resistance stems from me getting too creative and straying from the brief. Other times, the client may have lost sight of the goals we initially defined together. As long as I have a clearly documented branding brief that lays out the objectives, any resistance or pushback can be resolved by referring back to that agreed-upon roadmap

It's essential to ensure that everyone's goals are aligned. Often, resistance stems from a misunderstanding of what the brand strategy aims to achieve. Take time to discuss and clarify the primary objectives with all stakeholders. By doing so, you might find common ground or identify misalignments that need addressing before moving forward.

In the B2B world, being clear and purposeful in how a brand makes an impact and plays a part in strategy is not easy. Coupling clear communication, democratizing creative processes, and finding OKR / KPIs that tap into other business areas provides a great framework to underpin the value of branding regardless of which industry you operate within ?

Open communication and share-d goals create an environme-nt that supports successful strategy exe-cution. Clarify how each part contributes to these- goals, aligning everyone be-hind the same purpose. Show the- clear link betwee-n strategy and achieving long-term aims. Encourage- stakeholders to share the-ir views and help refine- the strategy to bette-r match shared goals. Explain how each ele-ment serves the- brand's objectives, improving understanding and buy-in. Frame- resistance as an opportunity for constructive discussion and colle-ctive problem-solving to reach common goals.

I disagree with this. Often times it leads to "bean counting". Without people pushing beyond conventions, we plateau. If you wanna hit them with data, cool....but how were you taught kindness? How were you taught love? Was it with data? No. Sure, if we were to cut open our parents we can learn a bunch of data from the test (heart, lungs, kidney, health) - but even with all that data, you still wouldn't know your parents. You counted the beans and missed the food. Instead, come back with love. As a human being, that also is here for a finite splice in time. Break it down. We are all big kids (some in costumes). Level with them. Be with them. Love them.

To address skepticism or resistance effectively, bolster your brand strategy with tangible evidence and data-driven insights. Presenting compelling evidence, such as market research findings, consumer behavior data, or case studies of successful implementations, can lend credibility to your strategic approach. By grounding your strategy in empirical evidence, you demonstrate its validity and efficacy, instilling confidence in stakeholders and mitigating doubts or uncertainties.

Facts and data are your allies when facing skepticism. Present research, case studies, and statistical evidence that support your brand strategy. Demonstrating how your approach aligns with market trends, customer behavior, and successful precedents can help in swaying opinions and lowering resistance.

Sometimes, people need the reasoning behind a decisions. Show the data, where you got it, and explain how that data led you to your conclusion. This will showcase your expertise and serve as an opportunity to teach your teammates what types of data they consider.

Back up your brand strategy with data, case studies, and examples from successful implementations in similar contexts. Concrete evidence can help alleviate doubts and build confidence in the proposed approach.

Recognize that brand strategy development is often a collaborative endeavor, requiring input from diverse stakeholders with varying perspectives and priorities. In the face of resistance, be open to seeking compromise and finding common ground that accommodates the interests and concerns of all parties involved. While certain aspects of your strategy may be non-negotiable based on strategic imperatives, be flexible and receptive to incorporating constructive feedback where feasible. Striking a balance between preserving the integrity of your vision and addressing valid concerns fosters a spirit of cooperation and alignment.

Facing resistance in brand strategy feedback is not uncommon, and it’s crucial to navigate these moments with openness and creativity. The key lies in finding a compromise that aligns with the brand's vision while addressing the client's concerns. For instance, I had a client who was initially hesitant to new logo suggestions, feeling it didn't fully resonate with their previous brand identity. Instead of insisting, we engaged in a collaborative dialogue and brainstorming session with a few, key employees, to understand their reservations and iterated on the design, integrating their feedback. This approach not only salvaged the relationship but also resulted in a new logo that the client felt truly represented their brand.

Finding a middle ground may be necessary to move forward, especially when faced with strong opposition. Explore possible compromises without compromising the core of your strategy. Be willing to adapt and adjust certain elements if it means gaining broader support while still driving towards the main goals.

Prioritizing open communication and adaptability enables productive teamwork and the development of an effective brand strategy. Identify common ground: Look for areas where feedback aligns with the brand's goals. Prioritize feedback: Evaluate input to distinguish between crucial and negotiable elements of the strategy. Encourage open dialogue: Invite stakeholders to share their perspectives and actively participate in finding compromises. Embrace flexible adaptations: Integrate diverse viewpoints into creative solutions that stay true to the brand's values. Commit to continuous improvement: Regularly evaluate and refine the strategy, recognizing that brand planning is a dynamic process that evolves with feedback and changing circumstances.

If necessary, be willing to seek compromise and find common ground with stakeholders who remain resistant to the brand strategy feedback. Look for areas of agreement and explore alternative solutions that address their concerns while still advancing the overall objectives of the brand strategy. By actively listening, communicating effectively, addressing concerns, engaging stakeholders, highlighting success stories, offering support, and seeking compromise, you can navigate resistance to brand strategy feedback and foster a more collaborative and aligned approach within the organization.

Resistance to brand strategy may stem from a lack of understanding or awareness of its underlying principles and significance. In such cases, take a proactive approach to educate stakeholders tactfully and empathetically. Offer insights into the rationale behind key strategic decisions, highlighting how each element of the strategy contributes to achieving overarching business objectives. Avoid adopting a patronizing tone and instead frame educational efforts as opportunities for mutual learning and collaboration. Empowering stakeholders with a deeper understanding of brand strategy cultivates a shared sense of purpose and commitment to collective success.

Sometimes resistance comes from a lack of understanding. Provide educational resources and workshops to explain the nuances of your brand strategy. When people feel informed, they are more likely to support the direction you propose.

Kim Larson, del laboratorio de comportamiento de Google, nos indica que los usuarios digitales buscan contenidos inspirativos (Hero), relevantes (Help) y regulares (Hub), lo que da a pie a las marcas para generar contenidos en estas 3 líneas, denominadas el Modelo de las 3H. Los contenidos relevantes o help hacen alusión a la educación con tacto, lo que debemos hacer es escuchar inicialmente a nuestras audiencias para luego resolver sus dudas, inquietudes e intereses frente a sus pasiones o necesidades que mi producto o servicio les pueda resolver.

I've worked with a lot of marketers who have been skeptical of the data we provide in my previous data consulting firm. Most times, differences are addressed through proper education and storytelling. Assuming the strategy is well thought out, always look to educate and inform first when met with resistance. This allows others to view, understand, and appreciate the direction from your point of view and broaden previously narrow perspectives.

The opportunity to educate your market is such a bonus! This will firmly establish you as an expert in your field and ensure that you remain top of mind in your market.

Effective resolution of resistance to brand strategy doesn't end with initial discussions or adjustments. It's essential to follow up with stakeholders to ensure that their concerns have been addressed satisfactorily and to reaffirm your commitment to ongoing collaboration and transparency. Following up demonstrates respect for stakeholders' input and reinforces the notion that their perspectives are valued in the strategic decision-making process. Additionally, ongoing communication enables you to monitor the implementation and impact of revised strategies, making further refinements as necessary to maintain alignment with evolving business needs.

Following up after initial discussions and compromises is key. Keep the dialogue going by checking in regularly with the resisters to address any new concerns and to keep them engaged with the evolving strategy.

Closing this loop is key in showing that you care. It also creates an iterative process. A collaborative approach always wins!

Wir haben super Erfahrungen damit gemacht , in einem Workshop mit den Experten auf Kundenseite aus Produktion, Design, Marketing und Vertrieb den Markenkern freizulegen. Er ist bereits im Unternehmen, jedoch für jene, die dicht dran weil t?glich im Unternehmen besch?ftigt sind, nicht klar erkennbar. Da kann gezielte Moderation, Marketing-Erfahrung und ein Blick aus der Vogelperspektive helfen.

In addition to the strategies outlined above, consider the broader context in which resistance to your brand strategy is occurring. Factors such as organizational culture, past experiences, and personal agendas can all influence how feedback is received. It's important to assess these factors and tailor your approach accordingly. Additionally, remember that change takes time, and overcoming resistance may require patience and persistence. By fostering open communication, building trust, and maintaining a collaborative mindset, you can navigate resistance more effectively and ultimately drive alignment towards your brand strategy goals.

Having personally experienced this in a rather severe way, the solution was to listen and collect all the feedback before going back to the drawing board. The next step was a mix of: compromising, educating (incl. providing evidence and reasoning), and, more importantly, securing buy-in from all the right team leads. Brand strategy building is not a democratic practice, but rolling out a brand strategy cannot be done in isolation. You need trusted voices to have your back - and truthfully, you should want to know their feedback, concerns, and general opinion.

One thing I've learned over the years, dealing within this, is learning how to bend someone mentally, without breaking them. We all need to be stretched, to feel a little out of our depth, it's where innovation and courage and many other beautiful undercurrents exist. Understanding the why behind the resistance (which comes from that first part of listening), but also, knowing when to keep pushing - not to break through the resistance....but simply, bend it. Iron breaks. Steel is much stronger because it is able to bend. They may actually be right with the resistance they have in place, but still need that rightness to be wisely, carefully challenged. You'll always be unsure if your view or idea was never properly challenged.

In some cases it's always best to allow as many options, if the strategy is met with resistance, you can allow the opposing thought to stand as well and let time, your client, and the market be the judge. I've come to learn that logic sometimes goes out the window in the face of creativity. In the end, we are all seeking the same thing, to help the brand win.

One thing I have found helpful is presenting the team with insights and examples as to why the feedback aligns with the core brand objectives and the end goal of the plan. Resistance often stems from the lack of judgement and lack of judgement arises due to lack of information. It's imperative to identify the missing piece which will eventually help the team understand the feedback instead of approaching it as a harsh critique.