Having the right perspective can mean all the difference in the world. Opportunities can open up with just a little shift in position.
Unfortunately, knowing that you need to shift position often requires the objectivity you don’t have when you’re inside the process.
Which of course is why people employ change agents and process engineers. Improved objectivity.
We know people don’t like change. They also don’t like being told they need to change their perspective. They essentially interpret that as “you’re stupid.” That’s never a good place to start.
So how do you avoid that reaction? Especially since you know you have to arrive at that conclusion at some point.
Well, to be honest, it’s highly unlikely you can avoid it altogether. That’s human nature. Maybe the question is then how do you minimize it and then move on?
A good way to do this is to lead them to a new perspective. Don’t tell them they need a new perspective. Don’t tell them what perspective they should have.
Illustrate perspectives you think will resonate with them. Use an unrelated example to walk them through. Move on to a simple internal example.
Use the examples to educate them on the principles that make them tick. Classic training technique. Illustrate, educate, illustrate. Raise awareness.
And when someone finally gets the concept, they’ll blurt something out and you’ll go “That’s it!”
You’ll be excited. They’ll be excited. You’ll develop a bond from having figured it out together.
Now you have a foundation and can talk more openly about changing perspectives and the power that comes from that.
This is yet another example of the value of doing with them and not to them.
Once More Unto the Change 