When instructing staff on a revised procedure, which approach is least helpful?

• A. Compare the revised procedure with the one it replaced
• B. State that you believe the revised procedure to be better than the one it has replaced
• C. Tell them that they will probably find it difficult to learn the new procedure
• D. Give only a personal outline of the revised procedure at first and then follow with more detailed instructions

Answer: (C)

The main idea is delivering changes in a way that supports learning and adoption rather than creating resistance. Saying it will probably be difficult to learn the new procedure plants a negative expectation, which can undermine confidence and motivation, making staff less open to training and more likely to revert to familiar habits. In contrast, comparing the revised procedure with the one it replaces helps staff see exactly what changed and why, clarifying the purpose of the update. Stating that you believe the revision is better, when paired with clear rationale, can provide a positive frame that encourages engagement with the new process. Providing a personal outline first and then more detailed instructions can also help by offering a structured path—starting with a roadmap and then filling in the specifics. That makes the process feel manageable rather than intimidating.