Resisters see only the risks. So minimize resistance by acknowledging the risks. Listen carefully to employees' misgivings and address each one fully. Counter resistance by not only putting added responsibilities on your employees' plates, but also put energy into looking for ways to take things off. You can ease their fears, however, by giving them additional resources and additional training while they learn the new way of doing things.
Major changes make major ripples.
Parts of your company far removed from the target will still feel the impact. Look at all of the ramifications of your changes, minimize any unnecessary ones, then tell employees about everything that will be different so there are no surprises. Incidentally, don't assume your employees will resist the change. I recently surveyed the employees of a state agency and found that only 5 percent felt the organization was undertaking too much change. Most employees embrace change if they have a voice in planning it.