Whenever you try to change something, or bring in a new idea, you have three groups of people to contend with:
The believers: Love the new idea/direction. On board. Usually about 30% of the group.
The undecideds: Ambivalent: Could go either way. 50% of people – the biggest group.
The opposers: Actively against your idea. About 20%.
How most people deal with them
If you pride yourself on being a “nice person” you’re probably going to make the mistake of trying to convert the opposers before launching your idea. This is a mistake. This strategy makes your most difficult group louder and bolder, and the noise around them gives them a voice which makes the undecideds take notice. It makes everything worse and stalls your great idea out before it can take root.
What to do instead
Always. Always. Go with the goers. Get them excited about your idea and build some momentum. This does three things:
- It gets things moving
- It catches the attention of the undecideds and makes it more likely they’ll go along with you
- It marginalizes the opposers without you having to reprimand them
A COMMITTED MINORITY ALWAYS FLIPS AN APATHETIC MAJORITY.
A tiny minority flipped Russia to communism in 1917. We see this today in extreme political policies that most people disagree with but are too apathetic to do anything about. Use this principle to your advantage when you’re instituting change. Rely on your enthusiastic people to change the minds and win the hearts of your undecideds. They will do it (if they really believe).
And when to listen to the opposers…
When they’re your superstars. If your best people are opposed, you’re probably on the wrong track. If your worst performers hate the idea, keep going!
Getting ahead is about getting started!
