Encourage a Positive Attitude Toward Change

If Soldiers are invested in change and feel positively about it, they will be more likely to work toward the change. The following techniques will help you encourage a positive attitude toward change.

A Soldier drives a convoy truck through rubble

Part of the reason your Soldiers may be uncomfortable or hesitant about the change is that they don’t understand their new role. You can help cultivate a new identity by reinforcing what the change means to them personally.

There are a few ways you can cultivate a group identity that embraces change:

  • Adopt a catch phrase that resets identity (e.g., "Arise to meet the challenge" or "Adversity forges greater agility").
  • Establish a common purpose around which a new identity is formed (e.g., Prove to your leadership how useful your platoon is going to be once you are deployed).
A Soldier renders a salute to the Brigade Commander

Generating buy-in encourages a positive attitude toward change by demonstrating why people should want to adapt and engage in the change. You can generate buy-in by:

  • Providing a testimonial that demonstrates the need for change.
  • Expressing positive emotions when discussing the change.
View of the back of a vehicle through the window of another truck

In order to prevent the change from seeming overwhelming to your Soldiers, break the change down so it seems smaller or less intimidating. You can shrink the change by doing the following:

  • Set small, immediate goals.
  • Celebrate small victories.
  • Help with achieving initial steps.