Barriers to change

1. Individual Barriers to Change

2. Economic Insecurity
• Will this change impact my job security?
• Will this change impact my salary?

3. Fear of the Unknown
• All of us fear what we don’t know. A leader has
to try to connect change with something that is
familiar.

4. Threats to Social Relationships
• Will I have to build new relationships or change
my relationship?
▫ This is a fear experienced by teachers when a new
principal comes in. If teacher has had a positive
relationship with former principal, they are
suddenly faced with the need to begin again with
establishing a relationship with the new principal.

5. Habit
• The attitude of “this is how we do things around
here” may be pervasive.

6. Failure to Recognize the Need for
Change
• This barrier can be addressed by providing a
sound justification for the need for change.
• Data should be used for this justification.

7. Dislike/Distrust of Person Proposing
the Change
• Who is proposing the change makes a big
difference. It is important to select a person who
is respected and liked to present the change.