One of the toughest parts about working with others is when you have found a new more efficient way of doing things, but it is abruptly thrown out because quote “we have always done it this way”. As a leader or a member of a team it is very important to adapt to your environment but sometimes that change that you think should be implemented can be very intimidating to other team members. Oftentimes as we work on our day-to-day tasks we get comfortable with the status quo or the current systems and methods without spending much time on bettering them. For certain people any kind of change from a routine is very intimidating due to the familiarity with their system. Unfortunately, this kind of mindset that has a fear of change could be losing hours of productivity that can lead to a potential loss of money for the company. Luckily there are some strategies that can be implemented to lesson the fear of change and getting your idea shot down right away. For starters when you have a new idea think it through and put it to paper. It is one thing to be flying off the cuff and throwing out ideas to see what will stick but for an idea that is more deliberate and intentional take your time to think through all of the fist and second order effects of the change and how it will be implemented. Our second strategy is timing, never try to implement a new system during the busy season or in the middle of a large project. During this time adding something new may be viewed as an added stressor to your team causing it to be thrown out right away. Lastly be okay with adjustment. Sometimes your idea will sound great in your head but others my see where it could use some changes. Keep yourself open to pivoting your idea with your teammates so that everyone is benefited.
