What?

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A fancy name for inertia. People have a strong tendency to go along with the status quo or default option.

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To do nothing is within the power of all men. - Samuel Johnson

So What?

Given a choice of something new versus what they know, people will often choose what they know. People don’t aways make rational decisions. Therefore if you are trying to instigate change, and the status quo is still an option, you’ll benefit from identifying other ways to encourage the change. You could try adding friction to the status quo option (or by reducing the friction for the change). You’re unlikely to get sticky change simply by communicating what you want to change, or just by training people the new system.

Now What?

Here’s how you can practically lead your team through this bias:

• Communicate Clear Benefits: Always clarify why a proposed change matters. Demonstrate explicitly how it benefits each team member personally and professionally.
• Start Small: Try starting with changes rather than large-scale upheavals. Small wins build confidence, reduce anxiety, and gradually shift mindsets.
• Empower and Involve: Actively involve your team in the decision-making and implementation process. Ownership reduces resistance.
• Lead by Example: Demonstrate openness to change yourself. Your willingness to grow will inspire your team to embrace new opportunities.

References

Samuelson, W., & Zeckhauser, R. (1988). Status quo bias in decision making. Journal of Risk and Uncertainty, 1(1), 7–59. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00055564