How push backs are like a dodgy Wi-Fi signal

It’s true! Even though they’re frustrating and unproductive, ultimately push backs, are just like a dodgy Wi-Fi signal – an attempt to connect.

As leaders, staff pushing back is par for the course, but did you know that there are three kinds of push backs? I wonder how many you’re getting … but I’m also curious to know how many you’re also giving without even realising.

Here’s a brief overview of each and some examples that participants wanted help with at my recent Art of Managing Push Backs training.

🤬 VERBAL Push Backs.

These are the most obvious forms of resistance, where people openly challenge decisions, question authority, or express frustration. They might sound like complaints, excuses, or even childish one-liners. They catch us off guard or draw us into debates that seem unnecessary.

FOR EXAMPLE:

⚠️That’s not in my PD.
⚠️It’s fine as it is!
⚠️That’s not in my skills set.
⚠️Can’t you ask someone else?
⚠️It won’t work!
⚠️But, why?
⚠️That’s just your opinion!
⚠️You never told me that!
⚠️You don’t understand!
⚠️Whatever! Add it to the list!

(As annoying as these are, they’re actually like a dodgy Wi-Fi signal – still an attempt to connect, albeit not always successful.)

🙄 NON-VERBAL Push Backs
This type of resistance may be more subtle but it’s also more damaging because it’s open to interpretation. Non-verbal push backs demonstrates a lack of self-awareness and they can ruin relationships in seconds if they’re not challenged the right way.

FOR EXAMPLE:

⚠️Eye rolls
⚠️Sighs
⚠️Disengaged posture
⚠️Slow shake of the head
⚠️Withholding information
⚠️Inappropriate looks exchanged with others
⚠️Slouching
⚠️Walking away
⚠️Persistent smiling during conflict

(You’ll probably see several of these happen together – such as someone slouching and avoiding eye contact as you’re trying to deliver important information.)

😈 PASSIVE push backs
Resistance in stealth mode. These are often the most frustrating type of push back. They’re not loud or obvious and they often come with a side order of underperformance, vagueness or insincerity.

FOR EXAMPLE:

⚠️Forgotten deadlines.
⚠️Selective compliance.
⚠️Toxic positivity.
⚠️Ignoring new processes.
⚠️Under-breath sarcasm
⚠️Not responding to emails or meeting invites
⚠️Avoidance
⚠️Saying one thing and doing another.

(It’s the person who says “sure” but then drags their feet or delivers just enough to say they technically did the job.)

Without realising, you will have demonstrated several of these already today yourself – that’s how unconscious they often are. Any spring to mind?

When you understand what a push back really is though, what drives them and how to respond to them, you’ll start seeing them as an information-laden defence mechanisms instead of a recalcitrant weapons.

If you’d like me to teach you (or your team) how to better understand, interpret and respond to push backs, drop me a line and I’ll share some full day, right down to some two-hour options options with you.

www.RebootYourLife.com.au