How Do I Have to Deal with Objections

It is natural for people to raise objections. Some will readily join you. Others may have a range of reasons not to.

It can help to have in mind the types of objections people will raise when you invite them and how you are going to respond to them prior to inviting them. Our main thinking about how to deal with the objections is to put yourself in their shoes and think about why they might be raising those objections. Then respond in ways that deal with their objections as you continue to invite them in.

"I'm not sure I have the time to do this" or "What's in it for me?"

Why people raise this: Most probably this will be because they're very busy and they have not understood your purpose or the benefits of getting this job done.

How you can respond: You can try painting a clear picture of how much time it will take and what the personal benefits to them will be. You can talk about the purpose of the work. Then ask them what would make it worthwhile for them. Ask them how much time they could commit. Share your ideas about what they could contribute. Make them feel needed.

"Is it going to be the same old faces?" or "Who else have you asked?"

Why people raise this: They may well be sick of always being asked or of always seeing the same old tired faces producing the same ideas and getting the same results. They may also be worried that there will not be enough people and they will end up with a lot of extra work.

How you can respond: You could talk about whom you have invited and who has already agreed to come. You can share your ideas so far for the kinds of things people will do. They might be interested in what you are doing to invite different people to join you. You could ask for ideas as to who else to invite and what strategy to adopt with them.

"With that many people, why do you need me?" or "If everybody comes, won't you have too many?"

Why people raise this: Some people fear large groups. They get anxious about not being heard or not being able to do anything useful. The concerns range from the fear of being manipulated to the fear of things getting out of control.

How you can respond: Reassurances can help here. You know what you are doing. You need all those people. There will be work for them all. You have planned it all out. Show them the plan. Explain the bits they are concerned about in more detail. Questions can also help. Get their ideas about useful things to do, how to group people, what will be important to make it work.

"I don't know enough to help you" or "Why on earth would you want me?"

Why people raise this: They don't think they have anything to offer, or they don't see the relevance of what they know to what you are talking about.

How you can respond: The best thing here is to get them talking. Give your thoughts and ask questions. Show how much they have to offer by listening to their answers. By drawing them out, as part of the process of inviting them in, you will demonstrate clearly how valuable they can be. It will set the scene for their active involvement.