Five Ways Leaders Can Turn Pushback Into Progress

By effectively responding to ambivalence, disagreement, or resistance, leaders can boost team learning while moving their organization forward.

Phillip G. Clampitt and Bob DeKoch

October 09, 2023

Effectively responding to pushback may well rank as one of the most important competencies that leaders can possess, and it’s especially critical during times of transition, like returning to the office post-pandemic. Such resistance to an organizational policy, directive, or decision can take many forms, ranging from voicing concerns and raising questions to active opposition and sabotage.¹

Effective leaders think of pushback as an opportunity to boost their team’s learning while moving their organization ...