Question the Resistance

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, my conversations with Navy Officers often sounded like this:

• “I can’t follow that protocol.”

• “I won’t change the way I do things.”

• “I shouldn’t have to adjust for this.”

Resistance was the background music of every leadership training. And let’s be honest - most of us have our own greatest hits playlist of couldn’ts, wouldn’ts and shouldn’ts. 

Then COVID hit and suddenly those same officers began asking questions:

• “What if this could be done differently?”

• “What would it take to make this safer for patients?”

• “How do we adapt - and fast?”

In the face of a real crisis, resistance gave way to inquiry. And guess what? That shift changed everything. Because inquiry isn’t just about asking good questions. It’s about what the question does - it creates movement, curiosity, and possibility. 

It’s less ‘gotcha journalism.’ More internal recalibration. 

So,  the next time someone on your team says things like ‘couldn’t’, ‘wouldn’t’ or ‘shouldn’t’, don’t push back, pull everyone forward by asking:

• “How often does this happen?”

• “What if it wasn’t true?”

• “What’s the opportunity here?”

• “What are your choices with these conditions?” 

• “What’s the worst thing that could happen?”

• “If you continue doing the same thing, what will your life look like in one year?” 

Inquiry doesn’t force people to agree - it invites them to think.

And when leaders model that, resistance stops being the wall.

It becomes the doorway.