Has anyone got any experiences of imposing management changes and overcoming resistance?

Sue Mackie originally posted this query and was particularly interested in working with groups of 7 or 8 people?

I moved this question from the 'old' discussion forum to this new one. Mike

I have worked with several groups in this kind of environment. Firstly, as far as is possible, ignore any resistance you encounter - instead - set a common group goal.

1. Ask each person what they believe the common goal to be.
2. If different, chunk up until a common goal is defined.
3. Define the steps that each participant will need to do in order to achieve the goals.
4. If there are objections:
1. Determine the purpose of any objection.
2. Adjust either outcome to ensure that a common goal is obtained.
3. Ask parties what will happen if objection happens/doesn't happen.
4. "If we can satisfy your objection, then we can continue to do x, yes?"

That would be my approach.