Policy 360 Insights: From Opposition to Opportunity
How to Turn Pushback into Policy Wins
Hey there!
Welcome back! This week, I’m tackling a topic that anyone working in policy has faced at one time or another—opposition. Whether it's a critic, a hesitant policymaker, or just a skeptical stakeholder, dealing with pushback is all part of the game. But here’s the secret: opposition doesn’t have to be a roadblock. In fact, it can be the very thing that helps you sharpen your message and move your campaign forward!
Let’s dive into how you can turn resistance into a golden opportunity.
Understanding Opposition: Who’s Pushing Back and Why
First things first—when someone opposes your policy, it’s important to understand where they’re coming from. Not all opposition is the same, and how you respond depends on the type of resistance you're facing. Here are a few common types:
Ideological Opposition: People who disagree with the core values or beliefs behind your policy.
Cost Concerns: Those worried about the financial impact or resources needed to implement your policy.
Process Skeptics: Folks who agree with the idea but think it’s going to be too hard or messy to put into practice.
Once you know what kind of opposition you’re dealing with, you can respond more effectively and strategically.
Listen Up: Turning Criticism into Insights
One of the most underrated tools in your policy toolbox? Listening. It can be tempting to rush in and defend your position, but taking a moment to really listen to the opposition can offer some surprising benefits. By hearing people out, you can get a sense of their real concerns and maybe even discover where your message needs fine-tuning.
Opponents often have valuable feedback (even if they don’t mean to), and by taking their concerns seriously, you can strengthen your case and sometimes even win them over.
Reframe the Conversation: Sharpen Your Message
Remember how I talked about framing in the last newsletter? Opposition can actually be a great way to test how strong your framing is. If your message isn’t quite landing, or if it’s being misunderstood, it’s a sign you might need to reframe the conversation.
Let me give you a real-world example from my own experience. During the lockdown, I worked to secure direct payments for families of children on Free School Meals. At first, there was pushback—some saw it as just another government handout. But by reframing the conversation, we shifted the focus to ensuring no child goes hungry, especially with schools closed and families under more pressure than ever. That change in framing resonated with both the public and policymakers, including a cautious DUP Education Minister, and ultimately led to success.
So, if you're facing resistance, ask yourself: How can I reframe this issue in a way that aligns with the values of my audience?
Engage, Don’t Avoid: Turning Critics into Allies
It might feel counterintuitive, but sometimes your critics can become your greatest advocates. The key is to engage with them constructively. Invite them into the conversation, ask for their input, and show them that you're willing to address their concerns.
Here are a few ways you can build bridges:
Offer to have a sit-down or informal chat to hear out their concerns.
Share data or examples that directly address their objections.
Acknowledge their point of view, even if you don’t fully agree.
By bringing them into the process, you might not only reduce their opposition but also turn them into partners who help push the policy forward.
Turning Resistance into Advocacy
Believe it or not, you can turn some of your fiercest critics into advocates by addressing their concerns and building trust. People who feel heard are more likely to come on board, especially if you can show them that their input has made a difference.
Once you've established that trust, give them the opportunity to get involved. Whether it's through co-hosting events, contributing to reports, or simply being part of the conversation, involving them can convert resistance into passionate support.
Join Policy360: Network & Influence – 28th November!
On that note, I’m thrilled to invite you to Policy360: Network & Influence on the 28th of November! This event is all about bringing together third sector professionals—like you—to connect with policymakers, share challenges, and pick up some real-world strategies for making your policy work go further.
We’ve got a fantastic line-up of speakers, including:
Joanne Morgan, Tiny Life
Peter McReynolds MLA, Alliance Party
Sara McCracken, PR Club
📅 Date: 28th November
🕒 Time: 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
📍 Location: The Mount Business Centre, Belfast
It’s going to be an exciting morning packed with insights, practical advice, and networking. If you’re looking to learn more about building your policy influence and connecting with the right people, you don’t want to miss this!
For more details and to grab your tickets, head to:
Policy360: Network & Influence – Amplify Your Policy Impact
Final Thoughts: Embrace Opposition as an Opportunity
At the end of the day, opposition is inevitable, but it’s how you handle it that counts. By listening, reframing your message, and engaging with critics constructively, you can turn what feels like a challenge into an opportunity for growth and success.
So, the next time you face resistance, remember: it's not the end of the road—it might just be the beginning of a better strategy.
Until next time, keep pushing forward!
Best,
Ellen
P.S. Got a tricky opposition story? I’d love to hear how you handled it! Drop me a message and let’s chat.