50 Reasons Why People Resist Change

Despite our best efforts to influence change, people often don’t transition as easily as we expect them to. Instead of becoming frustrated, try to understand the reason for their response. There’s probably something you can do to help them through it.

When someone seems to be resisting change, consider the following 50 reasons that might be holding them back. Even better, see what you can do to head these off before they happen.

1. It negatively impacts them.
2. It negatively impacts others.
3. It causes too much disruption.
4. They think the change is a bad idea.
5. They don’t know they’re supposed to change.
6. They don’t have enough information to move forward.
7. They’re confused.
8. They think they’ve changed, even though they haven’t.
9. They don’t want to let go.
10. They don’t know how to do the new thing.
11. They can’t do it well enough.
12. They lack self-confidence.
13. They don’t have the authority to change.
14. They’re forbidden to change.
15. They get away with not changing.
16. They see others not doing it.
17. They feel left out.
18. They don’t see why the change has to happen now.
19. It’s low on their list of priorities.
20. It doesn’t fit with who they are.
21. They’re afraid to fail.
22. They’re afraid of looking stupid.
23. They’re afraid of doing it wrong.
24. They’re afraid of losing power.
25. They’re afraid of losing popularity.
26. They’re afraid of feeling inferior.
27. They’re afraid of retribution.
28. They’re afraid of damaging relationships.
29. They’re afraid of being vulnerable.
30. They’re afraid of conflict.
31. They’re afraid of losing status.
32. They’re afraid of losing control.
33. They’re afraid of becoming irrelevant.
34. It’s uncomfortable.
35. They’re overwhelmed.
36. Their peers are pressuring them not to change.
37. They think it’s unfair.
38. They think the old way is better.
39. The old way still works.
40. They believe change is for the wrong reasons.
41. They think it will go away.
42. They believe their colleagues won’t carry their own weight.
43. They don’t believe the change will achieve the desired results.
44. They don’t think the organization can do it.
45. They don’t have enough time.
46. There’s not enough money in the budget to support it.
47. They don’t have all the resources they need.
48. The short-term impact is too great a risk.
49. The status quo is still rewarded.
50. It’s too much work.

 

What would you add to the list?