How to Challenge the Status Quo (Pt. 1)

The Leader Factor

In this week's episode of Culture by Design, Tim and Junior tackle a common organizational-wide dilemma, how do you effectively challenge the status quo? Questioning the prevailing mindset is tricky business. While innovation requires deviation from the norm, pushing for change often feels like a personal confrontation rather than an objective debate. So in this episode, Tim and Junior will provide concrete actual advice for skillfully and safely challenging the status quo, whether you lack formal authority or you find yourself at odds with the entrenched stakeholders.

Key Points

1. Anticipate the opportunity (20:45) Very few organizations have open-mic, challenge-the-status quo forums, so expect to do so in the context of your natural workflow. It may be an informal opportunity that allows you to introduce your idea.
2. Ask for permission (25:26) You may use a question like: Do you mind if I offer a different perspective? Or, may I suggest an alternative way to look at this? This allows you to position your interaction as a contribution rather than a confrontation.
3. Begin with inquiry, not advocacy (30:05) Challenging the status quo often evokes defensiveness. Rather than advocating a position that might divide, exclude, or marginalize, disarm with questions that recruit others into dialogue.
4. Model emotional intelligence (35:54) Paradoxically, the challenger must often create psychological safety for the challenged, giving them space to acknowledge and come to terms with needed change. Let your emotional intelligence be your guide.
5. Demonstrate a grasp of the past (40:41) Demonstrate contextual understanding by acquiring a thorough knowledge of previous decisions and how the status quo came to be. Become a master of the current state.

Read Dr. Clark's HBR Article
How to Challenge the Status Quo Productively