You Didn’t Imagine the Resistance

Nobody tells you this in GM orientation.

They’ll train you on the systems, walk you through the P&L, maybe even let you shadow for a day so you can learn how to respond to guest complaints with a clipboard and a smile.

But the real challenge?

It’s not the numbers.
It’s not the spreadsheets.
It’s not even the guests.

It’s the people inside the building who’ve decided that “good enough” is good enough.

It’s walking into a team meeting ready to lead and feeling the temperature drop as soon as you mention change.

It’s stepping into a culture where mediocrity has tenure. Where “we’ve always done it this way” isn’t just a saying. It’s a defense mechanism.

And trust me, they’re not joking.

You show up to elevate.
To coach.
To bring clarity, energy, momentum.

So why does change feel like a battle?
Because it is.

What you walk into is a maze of passive resistance, unspoken alliances, and sabotage disguised as support.

I’ve been there.

I’ve had employees nod in agreement and then roll their eyes before they even leave the room.
I’ve watched people volunteer to help just to slow things down.
I’ve had more than one department head “forget” what was agreed upon because deep down, they never bought in to begin with.

Here’s the part no one tells you:
Resistance doesn’t always show up in loud objections.
Sometimes it walks in quietly with a coffee cup and a smile.
And it waits you out, hoping you'll burn out before the change actually takes root.

So, what do you do?

First, stop questioning yourself.
That tension you feel? It’s real.
And it’s not personal. It’s predictable.

Second, get clear on what you came to do.

You are not there to manage decline.
You are not there to preserve comfort.
You are there to lead. And that means you will challenge people who benefit from staying exactly where they are.

So, lead anyway.

Document everything.
Hold people accountable even when it’s inconvenient.
Have the hard conversations.
Be the calm in the storm, but don’t lose yourself trying to win them over.

And here’s the thing. Sometimes, the fight isn’t worth your energy.
Sometimes you walk in, do the assessment, and realize the cost of fixing it is higher than anyone’s willing to pay.
That’s not failure. That’s wisdom.

Whether you stay and push through or walk away and protect your peace, just know this:

You didn’t imagine the resistance.
You’re not crazy.
And you are sure as hell aren’t alone.

This job is brutal. Not because of expectations, but because of the silent war between comfort and progress.

Keep showing up with clarity and conviction.
Even if the room’s not ready, you are.