Especially during a crisis, people are more likely to cling to comfortable old ways of doing things. As a result, when change is needed the most, people are more likely to fight it. However, take heart; you can answer the age-old question: What’s in it for me? And you can inspire people to embrace change even if they are resistant:
- Analyze your audience. Understand how the change will affect different groups of employees and highlight specific benefits for each one.
- Create a compelling story. Develop a narrative for each group that will help build a strong foundation to promote engagement. Specifically, create an elevator pitch and develop supporting messages tailored for each group.
- Emphasize the benefits. Make the change tangible by creating scenarios and using comparisons.
- Engage employee storytellers. Recruit thought-leaders and champions to help share the story, engage others, and address questions and concerns. Make sure these storytellers have consistent and accurate messages and talking points.
- Create a high-tech experience with efforts like informal Q&A sessions and fun activities like a board game or online contest.
