Step 6: Manage Resistance

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NEW IDEAS OFTEN meet with resistance. Since innovations threaten the status quo, resistance is a normal reaction. For example, an R&D manager may be threatened by your idea for newly formulated house paint. She may see it as an encroachment on her territory. Or an engineering manager may view a new electronic time sheet as a nuisance, even though it may increase efficiency in the accounting department.

You will probably encounter two types of resistance: explicit and hidden. To be a successful innovation champion, you need to anticipate both types and be prepared to manage them. Tap your sponsors and other facilitators ...

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