Common problems

Read below about common problems that you and your change team may encounter as emerging leaders and strategies to address them.  

Common problem Strategies to address the problem
Your colleagues understand the change but are opposed to it.
  • Recognize that there may be individuals who do not support the change initiative due to many factors, like feeling threatened by the change or preferring to maintain the status quo.
  • Avoid using education to address their opposition – this is unlikely to address their concerns.
  • Continue to root the change in values. Make sure that you are clear when talking about the desired change and solution, Emphasize the gains to be made by change agents.
  • Avoid engaging with people who are trying to discredit or attack what is happening – at least until you have achieved some momentum.
There is a delay in taking individual or collective action. 
  • Spend time planning and collaborating with others to establish the goals of the social movement – but don't delay taking action. 
  • Recognize that you can get started by taking even small steps.
  • See – and describe – change as a journey. 
People you're working with on the change perceive that the work is done when the goals of the social movement have been met
  • Recognize the danger of returning to "old" ways of thinking and doing if the social movement is perceived to be over and no further action is needed to maintain the change.
  • Remember that the long-term goal is sustainability – and continue to focus on that. 

SOURCES: Robert & Bate, 2010; Satell, 2020.