Change Implementation Approaches - ‘Tell’ versus ‘Sell’
- Peter F Gallagher
- Aug 1
- 3 min read
Change disruption is the order of the day. Rapidly changing customer buying habits, access to new technology, and social media accelerate the way organisations need to adapt to change to remain competitive or even survive. If done properly, change management is the proven game changer in making this possible. Change management will support the organisation, its employees, and its leaders to move from the current state ‘a’ to the improved state ‘B’. It can enable and enhance implementation of the new ways of working, behaviour, and adoption of the change.
However, the change implementation approach depends on the type of change. If the change is about compliance, legislation, or safety, it will be a ‘Tell’. If it is about winning hearts and minds, it will be a ‘Sell’. Both approaches have advantages and disadvantages, and both approaches will encounter some level of resistance.
'Tell’
Advantages: Speed is the nature of this type of change implementation. The organisation enforces the implementation decision, with consequences for those who do not obey.
Disadvantages: Changes like this are implemented quickly, with no time for staff consultation. As a result, people will feel that this change is ‘done unto them’ and it will take longer to achieve buy-in and acceptance.
“Nothing negatively impacts organisation performance quicker than employees who resists change and who believes that the way they work today is the way they will work tomorrow”
‘Sell’
Advantages: This type of change allows the organisation to communicate the change in advance, take feedback, and gain staff buy-in, winning hearts and minds.
Disadvantages: The process of communicating, involving lots of people, and receiving feedback, takes time. This type of change approach takes a lot longer than the ‘Tell’ approach and much more organisational effort.
“Without employee resistance, you will not achieve organisational change”
Further Reading: Change Management Handbook - Leadership of Change Volume 3.
Peter consults, speaks, and writes on the Leadership of Change®.
He works exclusively with boards, CEOs, and senior leadership teams to prepare and align them to effectively and proactively lead their organisations through change and transformation.
For insights on navigating organisational change, feel free to reach out at Peter.gallagher@a2B.consulting or schedule a free consultation
Peter F. Gallagher is a leadership guru, change management global thought leader, organisational change authority, international corporate conference speaker, 15X author, and C-level change leadership coach.
Listed #1 by leadersHum Top 40 Change Management Gurus You Should Follow in 2022 (Mar 2022).
Ranked #1 Change Management Global Thought Leader: Top 50 Global Thought Leaders and Influencers on Change Management (2024-2023-2022-2021-2020) by Thinkers360.
Listed #15 in the “Top 30” for Global Gurus Leadership (2024) by Global Gurus.
Ranked #1 Business Strategy Global Thought Leader: Top 50 Global Thought Leaders and Influencers on Business Strategy (2022) by Thinkers360.
Ranked #6 Leadership Global Thought Leader: Top 50 Global Thought Leaders and Influencers on Leadership (April 2024) by Thinkers360.
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