5 Ways to Reduce Resistance to Change Today

Health officials are asking people to wear masks when going to public places. In change management reducing resistance is incredibly important to the success of a change initiative. To encourage people to make this change and wear a mask to public places, many messages have been used.

Which of these 5 message would encourage you to wear a mask in public?

1. To avoid a fine. (Fear of financial pain.)

In some cities in Texas the news is reporting people must, “wear a mask covering your mouth and nose in public, or face a $1,000 fine.”

While some may comply others, like those people who don’t follow the speed limit, might not choose to follow the law in hopes that they do not get caught.

2. To protect the health of others. (Fear of relational pain.)

CBS News reported that we should wear masks “to protect others if we sneeze or cough.”

This might motivate some, especially those living with elderly family, but people who are not feeling sick may not understand the importance if they aren’t sneezing or coughing.

3. To protect one’s own health. (Fear of physical pain.)

CBS News also reported that we should wear masks because “they can decrease breathing in the virus.”

This will work for some, but others feel invincible. Particularly younger, healthy people may not see the importance.

4. To avoid being shamed for not conforming. (Fear of emotional pain.)

From coast to coast, news organizations are reporting people being shamed in person and on social media sites like NextDoor and Facebook for not wearing masks.

Like old-fashioned peer pressure, many people do not like being told what to do and may continue to assert their right to make their own choices, so while this may change some behavior many may still resist.

5. To show compassion for others who are fearful. (Love.)

The Washington State Department of Health urged the wearing of masks saying, “Consider it a voluntary act of compassion.”

This message reaches those who have empathy for the fearful, but are not themselves motivated by fear. Even those who are not concerned about the impact to their own health, know someone who is worried. Because this options is voluntary, people see this as a choice that they get to make rather than because they are fearful of a fine, an illness, or public shaming. It allows people a sense of control that provides positive feelings when the right choice is made.

There are only two reasons people choose to change: to move away from pain or to move toward pleasure. The first 4 choices above move people away from something negative, the last moves them toward something positive.

All of the approaches are valuable and the best change management strategy will incorporate a clear message, but reach different people based on their individual perspectives and situations.

In my case, my mother had my mask made for me out of concern for my health and for her own. Because of this, I will wear this mask to make my mother and others in the grocery store feel safer. In this case, love not fear motivates me. What is motivating you?

#changemanagement #innovation #emotionalintelligence #empathy #motivation #marketing