Quintessential Thought

In our series about responses to change, last week we covered The Spark. This week, we turn our attention to…

The Shield: Passivity

Sometimes, people react to change by withdrawing, becoming passive, or exhibiting signs of fear. They may avoid taking initiative, hesitate to speak up with either support or concerns, and appear disengaged from the process.

As a change leader, it can be frustrating to see people not taking responsibility for their part in the change. If we can look at this response as the person putting their shield up to prevent overwhelm or fear, it can help us engage with them in more helpful ways.

The Upside: This response can provide a moment for cautious reflection, preventing hasty decisions and highlighting potential risks that more enthusiastic individuals might overlook. It can also signal areas where more support and clarity are needed. In many cases, once their reasons for passivity are addressed, they will merge into the change movement.

The Challenges: While it might seem like a simple lack of enthusiasm, this response carries significant challenges. People who retreat into passivity can become a silent barrier to progress, inadvertently blocking feedback and innovation. They may unintentionally spread a sense of helplessness, and others might take their silence as implicit dissent. 

Leading through It: Those who retreat into passivity benefit from a supportive approach. Focus on building trust and creating a safe space for them to express their concerns by using the superpower of listening.

Work with them to break down the change into small, manageable steps that can overcome fear and analysis paralysis, emphasizing the purpose. Sometimes, the most effective way to unlock action is by making specific requests. Stay connected with them, providing consistent reassurance and highlighting incremental progress, so they can gradually see the benefits and regain a sense of agency.

Quotes

"The shield of silence is heavy; it blocks both pain and progress." - Dr. Anya Sharma

"A specific request is a bridge over the chasm of hesitation." - Kai Nakamura

"Understanding the root of inaction is the key to unlocking potential." - Maria Sanchez

Quick Step

Reach out to one person who isn’t taking action, seeking to understand their perspective on the change.

Question

What are some reasons you have been passive in change?

Shield icon created by Freepik - Flaticon

Professional Scrum Product Owner, Apr 14-17

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