The text emphasizes overcoming resistance when transitioning to agile or Scrum. It identifies four common reasons for resistance: lack of awareness, information, job security, and executive advocacy. It also outlines strategies to overcome resistance, including building awareness, increasing desire, and developing ability. The key is to understand and address individuals’ specific concerns to reduce resistance.
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4 Reasons Your Team Might Be Resistant to Change
A transition to Scrum or an agile way of working can bring great benefits but also great upheaval. And, as with any change, some people will balk, drag their feet, or actively oppose a new way of doing things.
Whatever the fear, and however it manifests inside your organization, you must understand it to overcome it.
Reason 1: Lack of Awareness about Why
The most common reason people resist change is a lack of awareness about the reasons for the change. If your team is being split into two teams, you’re much more likely to support that change if you understand why it’s happening.
Reason 2: Lack of Information about What
Another reason employees resist change is a fear of the unknown. When it’s time to jump out of the airplane, I’ll be a lot more inclined to go through with it if an instructor has removed the fear of the unknown by telling me exactly what to expect.
Reason 3: Lack of Job Security
The third most common reason employees resist change is a lack of job security. If a change is introduced and I’m worried it could affect my job, I’m probably going to resist that change.
Reason 4: Lack of Executive Advocacy
Finally, the fourth most common reason employees resist change is a lack of executive sponsorship for the change. We’re all much more likely to support a change if there is at least one key leader advocating for the change.
3 Requirements for Change: Awareness, Desire & Ability
First, people need to have an awareness that there is a better approach than what they are currently doing. Second, they need the desire to use that approach. And once desire exists, people need the ability to use the new approach.
3 Strategies for Overcoming Resistance to Change
Strategy 1: Building Awareness
First, be sure to communicate that a problem exists. Be clear what will happen if the problem is not addressed. To persuade resistors that a problem exists, use metrics when possible. Also consider exposing resistors to new people and experiences. Focus on one compelling reason instead of a list of benefits.
Strategy 2: Increasing Desire
Communicate the why behind the change, creating a sense of urgency. Focus on supporters to build momentum and address fears head on. Encourage resistors by talking about the opportunities agile could bring to their worlds.
Strategy 3: Developing Ability
Provide training and coaching for individuals stuck at this stage. Create opportunities for team members to share information with each other and create a safe environment for team members to try new skills.
If you want to evolve your company with agile, stay competitive, use for your advantage How to Overcome Resistance to Change. Discover how scrum can transform your project management approach:
- Identify Opportunities: Pinpoint critical team touchpoints that can benefit from Scrum methodologies.
- Define KPIs: Ensure your Scrum practices yield tangible impacts on project outcomes.
- Select a Scrum Tool: Opt for tools that resonate with your team’s requirements and offer adaptability.
For Scrum management guidance, reach out to us at hello@itinai.com. Stay updated with the latest in Scrum by following our Telegram at t.me/aiagile or Twitter @aiscrumbot.
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