How to Create Change in Others

The biggest challenge in creating change in others is realizing that you have no control over another person's mindset. Change is an individual decision. It can only be made through free will. You can, however, be effective in instrumenting that change.

You must first get clear in what message you want to convey. Your message must be presented in a way that is easily comprehended by your audience. It is as much how you say it as what you say that is important. When your message is unclear, it can instantaneously turn off your intended target.

Part of refining your message includes determining if you truly believe in it yourself. Do you trust in the change you are trying to effect or are you just keeping up with the Jones? If you do not truly believe in the direction you are attempting to lead others in, you will not be able to convincingly persuade anyone to move with you. You can not speak confidently to your decisions if you are internally a skeptic. Do not attempt to stand behind changes that you are unwilling to make.

Get clued in to your audience. What do you know about this person or group? Gauge their response to your message. What verbal and non-verbal cues can you detect? If your audience is not actively listening, what can you do to be heard? Are they uncomfortable with your message? How can you redirect your approach in such a way that it can be better received?

Finally, what benefits will the change bring? Do you know what obstacles might surface? Be as detailed as possible when you set about evoking change in others. What expectations can they have? How will the change come about? People are more willing to accept change when they are well-prepared with a plan of action to help successfully implement that change. What preparations can be made to make the transition smoother? Arm them with tools and solutions so they can willingly embrace the change.

Change is inevitable. The only things that don’t make change are vending machines when you are in a hurry. Getting others to change with the tides of time can be difficult. Deliver a clear, confident message along with a plan of action and you will find it much easier to facilitate change in others.

Niquenya D. Fulbright is a Chicago area executive life coach, motivational speaker and corporate trainer with over 10 years experience specializing in inspiring small business owners, entrepreneurs, executives, groups and individuals in a career or life transition to use their innate abilities to master their goals and achieve successes beyond their wildest dreams. For more information, to book Ms. Fulbright for your next event or to schedule a complimentary coaching session, visit http://www.niquenyafulbright.com, send inquiry to contactme@niquenyafulbright.com or call 773-368-3575. All coaching sessions are performed via telephone.

Tune in to Niquenya's weekly radio show, Building Bridges, every Tuesday at 1:30PM CST. Visit http://www.blogtalkradio.com/buildingbridges to listen in or subscribe to download for podcast.

Read more of Niquenya's thoughts on how to succeed in business, careers, relationships and life at http://www.chicagolifecoach.blogspot.com

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