How to get your staff or colleagues to make a change

Even when the status quo is no longer working, it can be difficult to change. These seven strategies can help your group move toward needed change.

1. Be transparent about what you are trying to accomplish, but use messaging that speaks to the different priorities people may have.

2. Back up these messages with actions that show good faith, sincerity, and a willingness to listen and address concerns.

3. Choose champions who are willing to engage, committed to working through setbacks, seen as leaders, and willing to act as ambassadors for the intervention.

4. Don't waste valuable resources on converting resisters. Instead, leverage those who are eager.

5. Identify which components of the intervention are flexible and negotiable, and which are essential and nonnegotiable.

6. Remain adaptable and willing to bring in additional resources if needed, because implementing change never goes completely according to plan.

7. Be broad in involving others in training and implementation. The more people who are aware of what you are trying to accomplish, the better; they can serve as advocates and help the change spread to more teams.

Adapted from “Change Is Hard: What Really Happens When You Try to Implement a New Care Model.”