Partners in Learning
Learning to Lead Change: Building System Capacity

Leadership for Change Website Collection

www.beyondresistance.com
Beyond the Wall of Resistance by Rick Mauer (1996)
Cost: Free
See Mauer Book Review

“Only about one-third of all organizational changes are worth the effort. Most die, go way over budget and time, or get implemented in a weak watered down version. Research indicates that resistance to change is a major reason why changes fail.”

For people involved in leading organizational change, this website will be of great interest. Rick Mauer defines resistance as “any force that slows or stops movement.” He contends that it is a natural part of change … because it protects people from harm. On this website, Mauer offers reasons, suggestions, and solutions for overcoming resistance to change in organizations. He introduces the user to his “Change Without Migraines” approach designed to “avoid challenges” in five critical areas:

1. making a compelling case for change
2. getting started
3. keeping change alive
4. getting back on track
5. leading change

Users will find articles that are well written and concise (most are one to two pages long). The content is very rich and user friendly. Articles such as “How to Get Commitment Instead of Resistance,” “The Dilemma of Trust,” “23 Great Ideas to Help Keep Change Alive,” “The Art of Listening,” and “Why Resistance Matters” are full of clear concepts and suggestions for overcoming all kinds of issues related to resistance.

Assessment tools help you to reflect on your own motives and actions (Getting into Character), gage organizational readiness for change (Change Readiness Assessment or 5/5 Stakeholder Analysis), get started (Creating a Vision), and analyze breakdowns (Determining the Level of Resistance, What to Do when Implementation Breaks Down).

This website is loaded with strategies for anticipating and managing resistance at all stages of the change process. Users will learn about three levels of resistance (level one – I don’t get it; level two – I don’t like it; level three – I don’t like you) and about successful strategies such as “Plan to Win”, “Three Minute Deals,” “Vision Painting,” and many more. They will also learn about unsuccessful strategies, or in other words, things that make matters worse. Mauer articulates specific strategies for facing resistance at each of the three levels.

Users will also find numerous tips for managing resistance from Mauer and others; you are invited to contribute your tips as well. You might want to sign up for “Tools for Change,” a free monthly e-newsletter. The Forum is a place to join an online discussion with Mauer and others involved in change. Mauer also recommends other writers and related books.

Why We Like This Site
Resistance is clearly defined and strategies that make matters worse as well as those that help you navigate change are clearly articulated. The concepts are straightforward and insightful; the strategies and suggestions are practical and action-oriented. If you are a charged with leading change in your organization, you will not be disappointed. When we get questions about resistance, we recommend this website.