Wednesday, January 9, 2008

Influence Change

One of the reason I like Kevin Eikenberry so much is because he goes the extra mile. He followed up his conference call message with more resources that could benefit us in our change effort.

One resource included 5 ways to influence change in others:
  1. "Get" their perspective: It's the other person's perspective about the change that really matters. Valuing that perspective will help the other person feel part of the conversation, not that feel that one is being given a sales pitch.
  2. Acknowledge their perspective: Let the person feel that you recognize that the view is valid even if may be different than yours.
  3. Speak to their interests: Talk with the person about the differences in your perspectives, explaining how the change has personal benefits for him or her.
  4. Recognize natural tendencies: Recognize that not everyone moves at the same rate in regards to change.
  5. Be patient: Give a person time to reflect on what you have shared. This could help "save face" for a person who is moving from opposition to a change to being an advocate for the change.

Kevin has more information about change at his website, http://www.kevineikenberry.com/