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Writer's pictureDr. Cristi Haygood

From Change Skeptics to Change Champions: How to Get Your Most Talented Team Members On Board

Previously, I introduced you to Bob (in my experience, it’s usually a guy named Bob, Mark, or Phil 🤷🏾‍♀️), who interjects in the midst of a team brainstorming session to say that the process must go this way because that’s just the way it’s always been done. As annoying as that might be, especially as it stalls progress and encourages negative groupthink, what do you do if Bob is one of the most capable people on the team? How do you transform Bob from a Change Skeptic to a Change Champion?


Change Champions are individuals within an organization who actively support, promote, and implement change initiatives. These champions are vital to the success of organizational transformations, as they help bridge the gap between the strategy behind the change and its practical implementation. Since Bob is one of the most capable team members, he could be a perfect Change Champion, as they are also influential and respected members of the team. Change Champions do not always agree with everything happening, however, they understand the importance of the change, its impact, and future benefits. Here are 4 ways to engage with your most capable, yet resistant team members and create the champions your changing organization needs:



  1. Recognize Their Value: Engage resistant, yet capable Team Members by first acknowledging their contributions and expertise. Let them know that their skills and experience are crucial to the Team’s success. This recognition will lower their defenses and help them become advocates for change.


  2. Leverage Their Expertise: Use their capabilities to your advantage by assigning them leadership roles in the change process. Involve them in developing the new system or approach, and give them a voice in communicating the process. When they feel valued and integral to the change, they are more likely to support it.


  3. Encourage Open Dialogue: Create a safe space for these Team Members to express their concerns and frustrations. Whether 1:1 or in a small group setting, open dialogue can help you understand their perspective and find common ground. Often, resistance can be mitigated through understanding and collaboration.


  4. Empower Them to Lead by Example: Turn your most capable, yet resistant, Team Members into Change Champions by empowering them to lead by example. Give them specific roles or projects that allow them to showcase how they can successfully adapt and drive change. When they take on leadership roles within the change process, they not only influence others to follow, but also reinforce their own commitment to the new direction. This can create a ripple effect throughout the Team, transforming resistance into a positive force for change.


Change is inevitable in any organization, but it's not always easy to manage, especially when the most capable and experienced members of your Team are the ones resisting it. These individuals often have deep insights, consistent results, and significant influence, making their resistance particularly challenging. However, by using this approach, you can turn a challenge into an opportunity. You can turn these Change Skeptics into Change Champions.


 

Ready to overcome resistance and drive change?


Leading your Team through change requires more than just plans—it takes strategic insight and expert guidance. Don’t go it alone—let’s work together to transform resistance into resilience. Book a 1:1 Strategy Call with Dr. Cristi and gain personalized strategies to turn challenges into opportunities. Let’s create a roadmap for success together.


Looking forward to working together to #EngineerBetterLeaders! ✨

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