Before making changes, you should anticipate how others will react. People have different attitudes toward change. Some thrive on it; some are upset by it; many resist it at first but gradually accept it. There are three major sources of resistance to change.

The facts (provable statements) about an impending change are often circulated through the grapevine—but people tend to use facts selectively to prove their point. Facts used correctly help to overcome fear of the unknown. Facts can be proved; beliefs cannot. Beliefs are subjective opinions that can be shaped by others. Our beliefs lead us to think that a change is correct or incorrect or good or bad. Differences in perception can cause resistance to change.

Values are what people believe are worth pursuing or doing. What we value is important to us and influences our behavior. Values pertain to right and wrong and help establish priorities. Values are also related to religion and ethics. Once you have identified the probable resistance to change, you can work at overcoming it.