Why Resistance To Change So Often Defies Logic

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Anybody who’s ever pursued significant change of any kind knows that some of the opposition can be absolutely nuts, with no rational basis at all. Change consultants often suggest we look for a “root cause,” but that’s often a fool’s errand. You’ll not only drive yourself crazy running in circles, you’re also likely to lend credibility to their attacks.

Consider the Semmelweis effect,, the human tendency to reject new evidence because it contradicts established norms, beliefs, or paradigms. It gets its name from Ignaz Semmelweis, a young doctor who discovered that hand washing at hospitals could prevent infections and was driven literally insane for his trouble.

The simple truth is that when you are trying to get people to change things that they think or do, many won’t be ready to hear you. Some will never accept what you are trying to achieve and will actively work to undermine you. But by better understanding irrational resistance, we can develop strategies to overcome it. Semmelweis’s story is a great place to start.

Paradigms And Synaptic Pathways

We spend a good portion of our lives learning established paradigms. We go to school, train for a career, and hone our skills. We work hard to master fundamental principles and are rewarded when we demonstrate that…