Recently I had the joy of boating with friends at Lake George. The water was clear and the setting was gorgeous.
We stopped the boat so people could get out to swim. Some of us jumped right in, others slowly waded in, letting the water wash over their bodies as they went in deeper. Others sat on the side of the boat with only their toes in the water.
This reminded me of how we respond to change. Some of us dive right in, eager to embrace the opportunity. Others are resistant at first, but willing to move in deeper as they get more information and gradually become more comfortable. Still others sit on the sidelines, uncomfortable with the idea.
We have to deal with all types when proposing new strategies, whether at home or work.
What I do know about change is that the more you communicate, the better chance for acceptance. We begin to increase our comfort level and clarity when we know what is happening.
While Lake George was clear and we could see what was below, change is not always so transparent. The more we engage others, the more likely they will swim in our waters.