You're facing pushback from stakeholders on power sharing. How do you navigate their resistance effectively?

1 Listen First

The first step in overcoming resistance is to listen actively to stakeholders. Engage in open dialogue where their concerns can be voiced without judgment. It's important to understand the underlying reasons for their pushback, which may include fear of losing influence or distrust in the process. By showing that you value their input, you create an environment where stakeholders feel heard, and this can be the foundation for building trust and finding common ground.

3 Build Trust

Building trust is essential when dealing with resistance. Trust comes from consistent, transparent actions and clear communication. Demonstrate your commitment to the stakeholders' interests and the overall success of the community project. When stakeholders see that power sharing doesn't mean losing out but rather gaining allies, trust grows. This trust is the currency that will buy you the patience and support needed to implement power sharing effectively.

4 Offer Support

Offering support to stakeholders as they adapt to a power-sharing model is crucial. Provide resources and training that enable them to engage confidently in the new structure. Assure them that their contributions are valuable and that support will be ongoing. When stakeholders feel supported, they are more likely to participate actively and less likely to resist the changes being proposed.

5 Compromise Wisely

Compromise is often necessary, but it must be done wisely. Find areas where you can make concessions without compromising the core principles of power sharing. Show stakeholders that their opinions can lead to adjustments in the approach, which reinforces the very concept of shared power. Wise compromises demonstrate flexibility and a commitment to collective success, which can reduce resistance.

6 Celebrate Progress

Finally, celebrate every small victory and progress made towards power sharing. Acknowledge the role of stakeholders in these successes and highlight the benefits already being realized. Celebrating progress reinforces the positive aspects of power sharing and helps to build momentum. When stakeholders see real-world examples of how their cooperation leads to positive change, they are more likely to embrace power sharing fully.

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?