What’s in it for everyone?

With your bridge project taking shape, people are starting to notice progress and are realizing that one day soon, they might be asked to cross it. The prospect of new markets is exciting for some, but it is daunting for many others.

You may have overcome a number of hurdles already, but don’t celebrate too much—the bridge isn’t ready just yet. Your motivation and incentive programs are working, but are you gaining sufficient traction with the late majority and laggards among your stakeholders?

To provide encouragement to the late majority, you need to reiterate the benefits of the change. Use those who are enthusiastic about your project to celebrate progress.

However, before you start bringing people to the construction site, make sure you know who will help and work hard and who will take a back seat. Which managers are true leaders, which are peacocks, and which are ostriches?

Have you brought everyone to the point of acceptance without them feeling pushed or manipulated?