Staying Human Through Change

As I settle into my role as CEO of Lincolnshire Housing Partnership, I’ve been thinking a lot about what it really means to go through change — and how it feels, not just for me, but for everyone involved. One thing has become really clear: for change to feel manageable, I need time to reflect, a solid structure to lean on, and plenty of support. And if I need those things, doesn’t everyone?

It’s funny how we often forget that when an organisation is going through change, every single person needs the same things — time, support, and space to reflect.

People often say you’ve got to “get comfortable with being uncomfortable” when facing change. But honestly? That’s only half the story. Real success isn’t just about getting to the end goal — it’s about making sure that everyone on the journey is feeling supported and understood. That’s why I believe we need to acknowledge people’s natural reactions and respond with real, meaningful care.

But what does that look like day-to-day?

For me, it boils down to three things:

• Making room for people – Understanding that resistance is a normal, natural part of change, and giving people the space they need to work through it.
• Clarifying the path – Making sure people know where we’re headed, what matters most, and why it’s important.
• Offering real support – Listening to people, responding to what they need, and empowering them to tackle the journey in their own way.

Over the past few weeks at LHP, I’ve been asking myself, and others, a simple question over and over: Are you ok?

It’s a short question, but it packs a punch. It opens the door for people to talk about what’s hard, what feels uncomfortable, and what they need. When you ask it with genuine concern, it sends a deeper message:

"I know we’re going through a lot of changes. I feel it too. I understand this isn’t just about work — it’s about how all this impacts you as a person. And I’m here to listen and help however I can."

Just those three words have already sparked some really meaningful conversations at LHP. It’s shifted our focus from just dealing with discomfort to actually talking about it, openly and honestly.

For example, we’ve been rethinking our approach in a key area where, although we’re hitting industry standards, we know we can do better for our customers. To make that happen, we’ve had to get real about what to prioritise, and it hasn’t been easy. But asking people if they’re ok throughout the process has helped us stay connected with how they’re feeling and figure out ways to support them as we work through the changes together.

As we move forward with our goals at LHP, one thing is clear to me: it’s vital that we stay true to who we are and remember that we’re all people first. That means showing compassion, understanding, and care for each other at every stage.

So, if you’re going through change — whether you’re leading it, experiencing it, or both — here’s a gentle reminder: don’t forget to check in with yourself and others along the way. Ask: Are you ok?

Change can be tough, and feeling some resistance is only natural. But what’s not okay is ignoring the fact that we all need time, structure, and support to get through it.

Let’s aim for positive change, but let’s make sure we take care of each other as we go.