It’s a myth that people resist change, Our brains love change inherently.
Arash Arabi
Best-Selling Author | Agile Coach | Enterprise Architect | Project Manager | Head of Software Engineering | Taekwondo World Champion
The resistance comes from fear and uncertainty. Human brain is wired to be curious and want to explore new things. At the same time human brain is wired to be cautious of new unknown things. We fear the uncertainty that comes with change.
Today I learned this from George Kohlrieser and Daniel Goleman.
We resist when our curiosity is held hostage by defensiveness and fear. On the other hand if we feel no fear we will get anticipation for the change with curiosity. This means we will contribute tot he change creatively and indicatively.
If a leader can create an environment of trust and safety people will embrace change and will contribute to a smooth and enjoyable transformation. If a leader removes whatever causes fear, people will focus on the positive, jump on the bandwagon and contribute innovatively resulting in better outcomes.
The first step in creating an environment of safety and trust is radical transparency. People need to have full clarity, nothing needs to be a secret. Secrets are a source of fear.
A leader needs support to lead change. To get full support of the team the leader needs to create an environment where people empathise with her/him. The leader needs to provide full clarity and share everything he/she knows with the team to enable them to empathise with him/her
One technique that helps the team build empathy for the leader is speed dating. Book 30 min blocks one day per week for half a day where people can come and have a 1:1 with you. Let them speak. Listen to them. And help them see the world through your eyes
Senior Project Manager | PMP?, CCMP?, PSMI, ACC?, ITIL?4
4 年Love how you say “Secrets are a source of fear.” Very true. Hidden agendas often require deception. The first time someone lies to you, it can hurt, but you might be able to work through it. As that same person tells more and more lies, your ability to forgive and forget is likely to disappear. And even if each lie is small and seemingly inconsequential, they quickly add up to a complete destruction of trust. You may start to wonder whether these little lies are just the tip of the iceberg. Suspicions and doubts for the worst result.
Indeed Arash, first listen, then speak!
Governance | Enterprise Portfolio Management | Transformation | Strategy | Enterprise Agility | Technology Modernisation
4 年So Arash Arabi I think the number one reason people “resist” change is when it’s “done” to them. Not with or including them. In fact I Agree it’s a myth. We dont resist change we resist being forced to change....
I love this and I can't wait to use some intelligent questions with future questions to reveal this insight!? Thank you for sharing.