The Other Guy Won't Change

People are now asking to how convince others to change. This seems new to me.

I was keynoting the National Community Education Association conference last week. Several people asked about how to convince other people to change. This is new.  For the past 8 years, people have been questioning NIne Shift. Now people are agreeing with us more and more. But now they are asking how to get someone else (usually someone perceived to be a leader or authority figure) to change.

I've been giving the wrong answer, telling folks about how America is behind in the 21st century (true, but not the right answer).
Now I think the right answer is to change yourself and your own situation.
And that one person, every person, changing will make a big difference.
What do you think?

Comments

[Bill]

Among Gen X and now most certainly Ys, they don't experience change unless they recognize the need for change or if change is the idea of the X & Y user. The key is introducing efficiencies that would dictate change and then empowering ideas to implement those efficiencies through change.

[Leah]

I'm finding the only way to "change" another person is to surround them with information that supports change, and have solid reasons for making change. So far, my boomer boss has been amiable to my Xer changes!

[Harold Jarche]

In my experience, the only effective path is leadership by example. Don't wait for the other person to change.