Stop Resistance Before It Starts: Master the 3 P’s of Communication

What do you do when you think your message won’t land? Whether it’s a high-stakes meeting, a tough negotiation, or just convincing your kids to clean their rooms (again!), resistance can feel like a brick wall. The good news? You don’t have to walk into those conversations blind.

When I’m coaching leaders, one of the activities they hate most is role-playing. Seriously, you’d think I asked them to run a marathon. But here’s the truth I always share: When do you get a dress rehearsal for real-life conversations? Most of the time, you don’t. You’ve got one shot, and how you prepare beforehand makes all the difference.

This is where the 3 P’s of Reducing Resistance come in: Predict, Preempt, and Prevent. These steps give you the tools to control the narrative, minimize pushback, and ensure your message lands exactly the way you want it to.

Let’s break it down.

The 3 P’s: Predict, Preempt, Prevent

1. Predict Resistance

If you want to reduce resistance, the first step is to predict it. Most people walk into conversations completely blind, hoping for the best and winging the rest. Not you. You’re going to think ahead.

How to Predict Resistance:

• Put yourself in their shoes: Ask yourself, “What might they be thinking or feeling about this message?”
• Identify common objections: Think about past conversations—what resistance have you faced before?
• List potential triggers: Are there words, phrases, or ideas that could cause tension?

Example:
You’re pitching a new initiative to your team. Instead of diving in, you anticipate their concerns:

• “This sounds like more work.”
• “How will this impact our current projects?”
• “Is there even a budget for this?”

By predicting these responses, you’re not caught off guard. You’re ready.

2. Preempt Resistance

Once you’ve predicted the pushback, the next step is to preempt it. This means addressing potential concerns before they have a chance to derail the conversation.

How to Preempt Resistance:

• Acknowledge their concerns upfront: Show them you’ve thought about their perspective.
• Share the benefits early: Give them a reason to care before they even think about objecting.
• Ask clarifying questions: Get ahead of resistance by inviting dialogue.

Example:
Let’s say you know your team will worry about the workload for your new initiative. You preempt this by saying:

• “I know you’re probably wondering how this will fit into everything else on your plate. I’ve mapped out a timeline to show how this won’t disrupt your current priorities.”
  By addressing their concerns upfront, you take the wind out of resistance before it even starts.

3. Prevent Resistance

The final step is to prevent resistance entirely by setting the stage for a positive, collaborative conversation. This is about creating an environment where people feel heard, valued, and ready to engage.

How to Prevent Resistance:

• Build trust before the conversation: Consistency and credibility go a long way.
• Use clear, confident communication: People are less likely to push back when your message is strong and direct.
• Focus on shared goals: Highlight how your idea aligns with what they care about.

Example:
When presenting your initiative, frame it as a shared success:

• “This isn’t just about hitting a target—it’s about making all our jobs easier and positioning the team for long-term success.”
  When people see how your message benefits them, resistance melts away.

Bringing It All Together: The Power of the 3 P’s

The 3 P’s—Predict, Preempt, and Prevent—give you a roadmap to control the conversation and reduce resistance. When you practice these steps, you’re not just reacting to pushback—you’re steering the narrative before it even starts.

Here’s the thing: conversations don’t come with dress rehearsals, but preparation is the next best thing. By thinking ahead, addressing concerns upfront, and building trust, you can turn even the toughest conversations into opportunities for connection and collaboration.

Your Turn: Practice the 3 P’s

Next time you’re preparing for a conversation where resistance might pop up, try this:

1. Predict: What objections or concerns might they have?
2. Preempt: How can you address those concerns before they bring them up?
3. Prevent: What steps can you take to create a positive, collaborative environment?

By using the 3 P’s, you’ll walk into every conversation with confidence, clarity, and control.