In the world of change, I’ve learned there are some common objections. I’ve previously written objections people use to criticize change, but in this post, I’m addressing the root cause of that criticism. These are the secret objections.
No one admits to these. But they are real. Very real. In fact, they may be the biggest obstacles you’ll have to face in implementing change. The root of most objections.
Show me an objection to legitimate, needed change and you’re almost guaranteed to find one of these hidden in the crowd somewhere. Probably multiples of them.
Here are the 5 secret objections to change:
Selfishness
We want what we want. We want what’s comfortable. We want what requires less sacrifice on our part.
Pride
We like our ideas and don’t believe we can enjoy the ideas of others, as much as our own. The way I want to do things is best, isn’t it?
Power
We want to make the decisions for our life and resist when we think others are making them for us. We have a very real, often hidden desire for control.
Fear
We are afraid of what could happen if we change. We fear the change might change not only what we are changing, but it might change us in some way. That’s scary.
Satisfaction
We don’t see the need for change. We like things the way they are, no matter how hard someone tries to convince us change is needed. The way it is now is the way it’s supposed to be.
Granted, I don’t believe we can continue to grow most of the time without change. Change is all around us. Failing to embrace it only leads to more severe problems later. With the exception of God and His Word change is imminent. But, that doesn’t mean change is easy.
Sometimes understanding the hidden reasons behind the objection helps the leader better address the situation.
What are hidden objections to change have you seen? Which of these would be your most likely secret struggle with change?
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