In this last example, plans are usually met with attitudes of distrust and resistance. Thus, the key words in overcoming resistance are participation and communication . The more opportunity people have to suggest and recommend ideas and to see their ideas incorporated into the planning, the more they will develop a feeling of ownership in what is being done. In other words, if you want meaningful plans carried out, get people to help formulate those plans. Showing the benefits of change will help overcome resistance.
Timing is key.
You must control people's anxieties by giving them time to understand and implement your plan. Once we know where we are going, short-term goals to get us there are easier to develop. Thus, if you want to make the best decisions today, fix in your mind the purpose of those decisions. Some of my clients like Magnavox, Carnation and Northrop, look ahead fifteen to twenty years. For services firms, five years makes the most sense.