Moving Toward Change: Knowing When to Push, Pull, or Pause

“Systems are powerful, but that does not mean we are powerless.”

— Jenny Vazquez-Newsum

Leading systems towards progress is complex. Many systems we regularly operate within — healthcare, childcare, corporate culture — desperately need change. But needing to change doesn't always mean a system is ready for or willing to do so.

Navigating this space can be challenging for any leader. But as Untapped Leaders, we often operate within systems where we have to be in stealth mode — under the radar yet impactful. Here, we recognize the need for change and understand that not every system is ready or requires the same approach.

For most systems, change will require a push, pull, or pause — pushing for change in resistant systems, pulling in those willing but slow to act, and pausing when change is premature. Understanding these nuances and knowing when and how to apply each strategy is essential to achieve the most impact.

Push, Pull, Pause

When dealing with a system that doesn’t want to change, you’ll need to push for it. This strategy requires clear communication and direct feedback. You must effectively communicate the importance, urgency, and risk of change and be ready to set the agenda, priorities, and pace for progress.

For those systems that are slow to change, but willing, the pull strategy is a better approach. A pull approach invites collaboration and empowers team members to be part of the solution. Ask strategic and thoughtful questions to stimulate dialogue. Bring data to support your case and build trust through open communication and relationships.

When a system is not ready for change, the best approach may be to pause. You can not force change, so a better solution is to take a step back. Re-evaluate the approach, refocus your energy, and assess the system's readiness. Understand the system's window of tolerance and engage when the moment is right.

Choosing the Right Approach

Knowing when to push, pull, or pause relies on our ability to recognize where a system is, the power we hold, and the power that exists around us. What type of power is needed to move toward progress, who are the stakeholders responsible, and is the system ready, willing, or resisting?

It’s important to understand that choosing the right approach is as much for you as it is for the systems you’re trying to change. Pushing when you need to pause can be detrimental to your mental health — these organizations are not ready and trying to force it can cause more harm than good. Pulling when you need to push can feel unproductive and lead to burnout. And pausing too long can leave you feeling hopeless and frustrated.

It’s also helpful to note that systems evolve, meaning your strategies will too. Maybe your organization is struggling with outdated processes. Initially, pushing for change may be met with resistance. However, once the urgency is understood, a pull approach could be used to collaboratively design more efficient processes.

Ultimately, as Untapped Leaders, our goal is to understand the power in our systems, and the power we hold, and recognize that every system, every scenario, requires a different action. When we can do this, we can begin to lead towards progress in a healthy and impactful way.