On BusinessWeek.com, Rosabeth Moss Kanter of HarvardBusiness.org discusses how denial can prevent necessary change and describes four tools that can be used to defeat the deniers.
Those wishing to avoid or combat denial can make use of these:
1. Unassailable facts. Small flaws can discredit the case for change so evidence should be beyond reproach.
2. Counter-argument. Change advocates must confront rather than deny alternative explanations.
3. Big picture. Change leaders must identify long-term benefits and value.
4. Pressure and repetition. Staying on message and communicating frequently can defeat denial.
Source
Four Tools For Defeating Denial
Rosabeth Moss Kanter
BusinessWeek.com