March 2004 FAQ: Every time we have a “change in trouble,” we seem to fall back on the assumption that “people are just resistant to change … and we’re just going to have to settle for the change results we get.” Is that the right approach  to take? 

Answer: Some times we need to answer a question with a question … in order to see things from a new perspective. 

Let’s say you are the director of a theatre company that is transitioning from one play (make it “Romeo and Juliet”) … to the next play (let’s say, the Broadway musical “Oklahoma.”). Let’s say that the actor who was your Romeo from the last play comes onto the Oklahoma stage on opening night still wearing his pink tights and singing a love song to Juliet … As director, just what would you do about that? Would you say to your producer (your economic backer), “Well, that’s just resistance to change at work. We’ll just have to live with it.”? 

If your answer, starts with, “Nooo … but … ,” please reread the above and try again.

By: Dutch Holland, Ph.D.

Dutch Holland, CEO of HDI, has worked as a management consultant for 30 years, helping organizations and leaders manage and implement change successfully. And if you enjoyed this short article, you'll love his new book, Red Zone Management: Changing the Rules for Pivotal Times (Dearborn Trade, Chicago, Fall 2001). Check your local bookstores or read a review at amazon.com or barnesandnoble.com! Contact Dutch at 713.877.8130.

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