“We’ve Always Done It This Way”: How Leaders Can Respectfully Redirect Without Resistance

Few phrases stall progress faster than, “We’ve always done it this way.”

It often isn’t defiance. It’s familiarity, comfort, or fear of getting it wrong. But if leaders don’t address it correctly, it quietly undermines change, consistency, and accountability. The goal isn’t to shut people down.

The goal is to move them forward without losing trust. 

Why This Phrase Shows Up Before responding, it helps to understand what’s really being said: 

• “This feels risky.”
• “I don’t understand the new way yet.”
• “The old way worked for me.”
• “No one has explained why this changed.”

When leaders respond defensively or dismissively, resistance hardens. When they respond with clarity and confidence, resistance softens. 

What Not to Do Many leaders unintentionally escalate the situation by: 

• Saying “Because I said so”
• Over-explaining or justifying endlessly
• Allowing exceptions “just this once”
• Ignoring the comment altogether

Each of these reinforces the idea that the new way is optional. 

A Better Way to Respond (That Actually Works)1. Acknowledge the History, Briefly You don’t need to debate the past to move forward. Example:

“I know that’s how it’s been done before.” This validates experience without agreeing to continue it. 

2. Anchor to the Present, Not the Past Redirect the focus to now. Example:

“This is how we’re doing it going forward.” Simple. Calm. Non-negotiable without being harsh. 

3. Explain the Reason, Not the Debate People don’t need a vote. They need context. Example:

“We changed this to ensure consistency, reduce risk, or improve response time.” Avoid phrases like “corporate wants” or “HR says.” Own the change. 

4. Set a Clear Expectation Clarity eliminates confusion and excuses. Example:

“So moving forward, this is the process I need you to follow.” No apology. No hedging. 

5. Offer Support, Not an Escape Hatch Support builds confidence. Exceptions build resistance. Example:

“If you need help adjusting to it, I’m happy to walk through it with you.” This keeps the expectation intact while showing leadership. 

Why This Approach Works 

• It respects experience without deferring to it
• It removes ambiguity
• It reinforces consistency
• It models confident leadership
• It prevents old habits from continuing behind the scenes

Most importantly, it teaches teams that change isn’t personal. It’s directional. 

The Leadership Takeaway If leaders allow “we’ve always done it this way” to go unchallenged, the organization doesn’t actually change. It just adds new rules on top of old behavior. Progress doesn’t require confrontation.

It requires clarity, consistency, and calm follow-through.