Samuel Bacharach contributed a guest post to Smart Business on “How to Overcome the Fear of New Ideas.”
Whenever you propose a new project or plan, you need to win the support of others. But moving your agenda forward will inevitably create anxiety on the part of those whose support you need. Remember, you’re asking them to change and to take risks. You must recognize that, by joining your coalition, they may be entering a place where they feel unsafe or uncomfortable. That’s why it’s your job to anticipate how people will react to your new ideas, and to be prepared to deal with fears they will have. But if you do your homework, you won’t be caught off guard. Here are three common fears that often arise in the face of new ideas, along with tips for responding to each.
