Sometimes a statement from a teacher during a coaching conversation or while facilitating a PLC or professional development activity can leave you speechless. I frequently label such statements as gripes, excuses or resistance to any change. They can derail progress or worst bring a defensive response from the coach that can negatively impact interactions with others.

The website, Changing Minds, suggests the following guidelines:

• Pause
• Listen
• Empathize
• Think
• Respond

The voice of the resistor may not be what change agents wish to hear but it is a voice they should heed if the very best outcome is to be achieved.
—Nigel Coutts

In the following video I provide two strategies for responding that I have consciously practiced throughout my career. Paraphrasing Gripes to Goals and the Supporting Statement. I hope you find the explanations and examples helpful.

Feel free to send me a resistant scenario statement and I’ll provide some possible responses.