How to implement new ideas when people are reluctant to change?

Six Thinking Hats® is tremendously powerful in addressing this issue.  The parallel thinking nature of Six Thinking Hats® controls those who would normally dominate discussions. It also encourages those who typically would not contribute to a discussion/debate.

Using Six Thinking Hats® people also often convince themselves that they should perhaps change their pre conceived stance on something.  For example, someone who is basically opposed to an idea may find that because they are “forced” to look at the benefits (through using the Yellow Hat) there are advantages they had never thought of previously.  They can therefore end up convincing themselves. 

Another interesting dynamic is that if someone is, for example, strongly in favour of an idea they would not typically be expected to contribute the negatives in a traditional discussion.  Under the Hats, however, they would be expected to explore with others the Black Hat cautions. 

If they refused to contribute anything under the Black Hat then, unlike a traditional discussion,  they actually significantly weaken their stance in favour of an idea.  They are seen to be prejudiced and not looking for the best solution. This would not happen in a traditional adversarial debate.