What do you do if your strategic decisions as a PR professional are met with resistance?

Address resistance to PR decisions by: 1. Communicating rationale transparently. 2. Actively listening to objections. 3. Adjusting strategy if valid concerns arise. 4. Building consensus through open dialogue. 5. Fostering trust and alignment for smoother implementation.

Der Prophet im eigenen Land hat es oft schwer, externe Berater können der gamechanger sein. Als Inhouse-PR Experte lohnt es sich in jedem Fall, in verfahrenen Situationen über Expertise von außen nachzudenken und dafür auch ein Budget einzustellen.

7 Strategies for Overcoming Resistance to Change in the Workplace :- 1. Structure the team to maximize its potential 2. Set challenging, achievable and engaging targets 3. Resolve conflicts quickly and effectively 4. Show passion 5. Be persuasive 6. Empower innovation and creativity 7. Remain positive and supportive People find change unsettling, even though change is a constant in personal lives as well as professional environments. They will need the support of a positive leader who inspires free thought, honest communication and creativity, as personal and team development is encouraged. Employees expect leaders to manage change. Inspirational leaders create a culture where change becomes the remit of all.

Identifying the root source of resistance is crucial for PR professionals facing opposition to strategic decisions. Understanding the underlying reasons for resistance—be it misalignment with company values, lack of stakeholder buy-in, or fear of change—allows for targeted solutions. Addressing the core issues can help in refining the strategy, communicating its benefits more effectively, and engaging stakeholders in a more meaningful way, ultimately leading to a smoother implementation of strategic decisions.

Understanding the root of resistance is crucial in PR as it allows for strategic communication that directly addresses concerns. This approach not only demonstrates empathy but also showcases a PR professional's commitment to stakeholder engagement. Tailoring messages to the audience's specific fears or objections can transform resistance into support, which is essential for the successful implementation of any PR strategy

Projections and forecasts are great but they only tell half the story. Use case studies and highlight your previous successes, and something shortcomings, to explain how your strategy was developed. Make the client aware that there is no one size fits all approach and that you have really digested their business, their brief and their objective before developing your approach.

The best way to face resistance is to show value in PR work through good results. Show the business advances achieved through strategic PR work to convince that the investment of time and money has yielded good results

Escuchar es clave, debemos tener claro que no siempre tendremos la razón y así como trabajamos en la relación con los públicos, nuestro principal público es nuestro cliente (o cliente interno). La capacidad de escuchar, de entender sus miedos, de recibir nuevas ideas, nos debe llevar a reflexionar, mejorar o adaptar nuestro discurso de acuerdo a este contexto

Put yourself in the shoes of those who resist your decisions. Seek to understand their motivations, fears, and concerns. Acknowledge their emotions and validate their perspectives. By demonstrating empathy and understanding, you can build rapport and foster a more collaborative environment. By actively engaging with others, demonstrating empathy, and finding common ground, you can create an environment that encourages collaboration and constructive dialogue.

Be open to compromises that address the concerns of resistant parties while still achieving the overarching goals. Look for creative solutions that allow everyone to feel heard and respected. This collaborative approach can help build stronger relationships and foster a more supportive environment for future decision-making. It's important to remain adaptable and learn from the experience. Reflect on the situation, evaluate the outcomes, and consider how you can refine your approach in future scenarios. By actively engaging with resistance and seeking common ground, you can increase the chances of finding mutually beneficial solutions and fostering a more harmonious working environment.

Identify the reasons behind the resistance encountered during the follow-up and follow-through stages. Is it due to a lack of understanding, conflicting priorities, resource constraints, or other factors? Catching the underlying causes will help you devise appropriate strategies to overcome the resistance. Initiate open and constructive dialogue with the resistant parties. Listen to their concerns, feedback, and challenges they may be facing. Encourage them to express their thoughts and provide an opportunity for them to offer alternative solutions or suggestions. Engaging in meaningful conversations can help build understanding, address any misconceptions, and find common ground.