Addressing unspoken resistance to ideas

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Friend : Ajay, I’ve been facing a situation at work where I share ideas.It feels like there’s resistance, but no one tells me why. It’s frustrating because I’m trying to contribute, but I’m not sure how to break through.

Ajay : That’s a tough spot to be in. It’s not uncommon to encounter resistance that isn’t openly discussed. People might not want to confront you directly or they could be unsure themselves.



Have you tried asking them how they truly feel about your ideas? Friend : I haven’t directly asked for their reactions, but I’ve tried explaining my ideas with more details. Still, the response is lukewarm. Ajay : Pushing harder might make them retreat more.

Instead, try to invite their honest feedback. You could ask, "How is this idea landing with you, truly?" or "What are your thoughts on the potential downsides?" This shows you value their perspective, which might encourage them to open up. Friend : That makes sense.

I think the problem is with them, not the idea. Like, why wouldn’t they see the value in what I’m suggesting? Ajay : It’s easy to fall into that mindset, but it’s important to understand their concerns. Ask questions that dig deeper, like "Can you share a time when something similar didn’t work?" or "What risks are you worried about?" This approach might reveal underlying experiences that influence their resistance.

— Dr Ajayya Kumar is a management thinker, art enthusiast, mentor , business advisor, author, and strategist. Views expressed are his own and do not reflect the newspaper’s policy..