First, make sure everyone fully understands the reasons behind the corrective action and explain how these measures address the root causes of problems, prevent defects from recurring, and ultimately improve quality. Ensure the team has the necessary training, tools, and time to effectively carry out these corrective actions. Involve team members in the process by asking them to help plan or refine the corrective measures, as this strengthens their sense of ownership and increases their willingness to cooperate. Sharing data or outcome reports helps the team recognize the tangible benefits of these corrective actions. Finally, publicly acknowledge those who embrace the changes or collaborate to develop innovative solutions.

Resistance to corrective actions often arises from fear of change, lack of awareness about mistakes, a team culture that avoids discomfort, reluctance to take on more responsibilities, and lack of accountability. Emotional attachment to old ways and autonomy of senior staff in decision-making can also contribute. Overcoming this requires proper training, understanding root causes, fostering accountability, involving the team in the process, and encouraging brainstorming. Leading by example and demonstrating commitment to change can help drive a smoother transition

In my opinion, resistance to corrective action within a team can stem from two primary reasons: 1. Different perspectives on addressing quality issues. To overcome this, it is essential to align our viewpoints. By ensuring all stakeholders understand the potential future implications, we can collectively develop an effective plan to prevent recurrence. 2. An inadequate corrective plan that fails to address the root causes. This may result from incorrect root cause analysis. In such cases, it is crucial to re-examine the issue, identify the true root causes, and determine the most effective corrective action to prevent future occurrences.

Often, people see a corrective action request (CAR) as a complaint or a sign of failure, but it’s actually an opportunity for improvement. When raising a CAR, be honest, transparent, and empathetic. Focus on finding the root cause rather than just addressing the surface issue. This helps prevent recurrence and drives lasting improvements. Most people work hard and want to do the right thing. By taking a step back and looking at the bigger picture, they can find better solutions that strengthen quality and efficiency. Corrective actions aren’t about blame—they’re about making things better.

Resistance to corrective actions often comes from a lack of trust, misunderstanding, or fear of blame. To earn trust, focus on intentional communication and genuine collaboration: → Listen first – Understand their concerns before offering solutions. → Explain the "why" – Show how corrective actions create a positive impact for both quality and their daily work. → Involve them in solutions – Give ownership by letting them contribute to improvements. → Lead with consistency – When they see your commitment, trust follows. “Quality isn’t about catching mistakes - it’s about creating a culture where doing the right thing is second nature.” Wishing you a productive, safe, and meaningful Friday! Chris Clevenger