There are many times in life when you are faced with situations that test your values and integrity, forcing you to question the status quo.

These are the moments when you find something that you know is wrong, but the existing culture accepts it and continues to make it seem normal. You might want to speak up, but you hesitate because of the peer pressure from others who say, “We’ve always done it that way.” They question your motives: Why now? Why try to change something that has never been an “issue”?

Even when the majority seems against you, you must find a way to communicate that critical insight and gain buy-in. While this can be challenging, you must stay committed to doing the right thing.

As you strategize on how to get your message across and drive change, consider using the following steps:

8 Steps to Communicating Change

1. Educate Yourself Thoroughly: Use facts, research, and refer to any official guidance or documents that might support your stance.
2. Seek Experienced Counsel: Discuss the situation with people who have experience with something similar. Their knowledge can strengthen your position and refine your approach.
3. Empathize and Understand: Try to understand why things are being done incorrectly. There might be a valid, historical reason, and no one has thought to correct it simply because it hasn’t caused a major issue yet.
4. Develop a Concrete Plan: Formulate how you will communicate your stance effectively. Use data, facts, and historical context to build a strong case.
5. Schedule a Formal Discussion: Set aside a specific time to meet with all interested parties. Scheduling time shows respect for their time and the importance of the issue.
6. Stay Focused and Professional: As you deliver your message, remain focused on the facts and the objective. Manage your emotions and keep the discussion professional.
7. Be Prepared for Pushback: Expect resistance, especially if your proposal challenges a long-held way of thinking or operating.
8. Be Resilient: You might not achieve change the first time you communicate. Stay focused, find examples of how the change will help in the long run, and persist.

Doing the right thing has never been an easy endeavor. However, by keeping the focus on the bigger picture, you will be able to make impactful changes that yield good results.

If you are one of those people committed to doing the right thing, don’t just talk about what is wrong.

Taking action is the only way to drive change, one step at a time.