Leadership is about movement.
You’re moving ideas forward. Moving people forward. Moving your business forward.
And when things are working, you can feel it. Energy is high, decisions happen faster, progress builds on itself. Momentum becomes your greatest asset.
Until it doesn’t.
Every leader hits that moment when things slow down. Conversations stall. Initiatives lose steam. The same people who were on board suddenly aren’t.
That’s resistance, and it’s not the problem. Misreading it is.
Many leaders have a default to resistance. They explain more, push harder, or double down on training.
But here’s the truth. Not all resistance is created equal.
According to business expert Rick Maurer, most resistance falls into three simple categories:
- They don’t get it
- They don’t like it
- They don’t like you
The challenge? Each one requires a different response.
- They Don’t Get It: Close the Clarity Gap
If your team doesn’t understand the “why,” the “what,” or the “how,” hesitation makes sense.
This is where communication matters most.
Clarify expectations. Simplify the message. Connect the dots between the work and the bigger goal. And don’t assume one explanation is enough. People need to hear, see, and apply new ideas before they fully land.
When the issue is lack of understanding, better communication restores momentum.
- They Don’t Like It: Create Ownership, Not Compliance
This is where many leaders get stuck.
When people don’t like the change, more information won’t fix it. You can’t “train” someone into believing in something they don’t support.
This is your cue to shift from directing to engaging.
Ask questions. Invite input. Explore alternatives. You may still land on the same outcome—but the path might look different.
Strong leaders know the difference between getting it done their way and getting it done in a way people will support.
Buy-in fuels momentum. Compliance drains it.
- They Don’t Like You: Rebuild Trust First
This one can be uncomfortable. But it’s real.
If trust is low, everything feels harder. Messages get questioned. Decisions get second-guessed. Even good ideas struggle to gain traction.
When resistance is relational, progress doesn’t come from pushing harder, it comes from reconnecting.
That means listening more than talking. Following through consistently. Addressing issues directly instead of working around them.
It may feel like a detour, but it’s not. Trust is the foundation that allows momentum to stick.
Keep Things Moving
Resistance is part of the process—but it doesn’t have to stop you. When you take the time to understand what’s behind it, you lead more effectively, move more quickly, and build a team that’s aligned and ready for what’s next.
And that’s what keeps your business Easier, Simpler, and More Profitable.
Keep up the momentum,
Chris Ann Williams, CEO