An executive newly arrived from Europe wasn’t expecting to hear US-based plant employees advise him, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” Not only was the expression new to the executive, but it also seemed totally out of place. After all, he and his fellow expats came to the states to make massive improvements to the plant, as well as help transform their industry.

Faced with this reaction, how does he and other executives convince the local employees to stop resisting change?

Recognize that everyone approaches change differently. And then guide employees to a better future with care, empathy, and compassion using a proven approach.

The approach, which uses “now, next, and later” steps, is outlined in my Forbes article, How to work through change-resistance and promote a growth mindset published on Oct. 24. By sticking with the approach and showing care, empathy, and compassion, these leaders and you can help change-resistance employees take one or both feet off the brake and turn their eyes away from the rearview mirror toward the future.