How can you overcome resistance to change when implementing BRM tools?

1 Understand the sources of resistance

The first step to overcoming resistance is to understand where it comes from and why. Resistance can stem from different factors, such as lack of awareness, trust, or involvement; fear of losing control, status, or autonomy; or perceived threats to existing routines, relationships, or identities. To identify the sources of resistance, you need to engage with your stakeholders and listen to their concerns, questions, and feedback. You can use tools such as stakeholder analysis, surveys, interviews, or focus groups to gather their perspectives and expectations.

2 Communicate the vision and benefits

The second step to overcoming resistance is to communicate the vision and benefits of the BRM tools and frameworks you want to implement. You need to explain how they align with the strategic objectives and values of your organization, and how they will help your stakeholders achieve their goals and solve their problems. You also need to highlight the positive outcomes and opportunities that the BRM tools and frameworks will create, such as improved efficiency, quality, innovation, or customer satisfaction. You can use tools such as business cases, roadmaps, stories, or testimonials to convey your message and inspire your stakeholders.

3 Involve and empower your stakeholders

The third step to overcoming resistance is to involve and empower your stakeholders in the design and implementation of the BRM tools and frameworks. You need to make them feel part of the change process and give them a sense of ownership and influence. You can do this by creating cross-functional teams, co-creating solutions, soliciting feedback, providing training, or delegating tasks and responsibilities. You can also use tools such as workshops, prototypes, pilots, or gamification to engage and motivate your stakeholders.

4 Manage expectations and risks

The fourth step to overcoming resistance is to manage expectations and risks throughout the BRM transformation. You need to be realistic and transparent about what the BRM tools and frameworks can and cannot do, and what challenges and trade-offs they may entail. You also need to monitor and address any issues or obstacles that may arise along the way, such as technical glitches, resource constraints, or cultural clashes. You can use tools such as project plans, dashboards, reports, or feedback loops to track and communicate the progress and performance of the BRM tools and frameworks.

5 Celebrate and reinforce the change

The fifth step to overcoming resistance is to celebrate and reinforce the change that the BRM tools and frameworks have brought about. You need to recognize and reward the achievements and contributions of your stakeholders, and showcase the results and impacts of the BRM tools and frameworks. You also need to sustain and embed the change into the culture and practices of your organization, and ensure that the BRM tools and frameworks are continuously updated and improved. You can use tools such as events, awards, newsletters, or communities of practice to celebrate and reinforce the change.

6 Learn and adapt

The sixth and final step to overcoming resistance is to learn and adapt from the experience of implementing the BRM tools and frameworks. You need to evaluate and reflect on what worked well and what did not, and what lessons and insights you can draw from the process. You also need to solicit and incorporate feedback from your stakeholders, and identify and implement any changes or improvements that are needed. You can use tools such as surveys, reviews, or retrospectives to learn and adapt from the BRM transformation.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?