You've built coaching skills and learned to develop your team. But what happens when your organization announces major changes? Suddenly, your best performers start resisting, and team dynamics shift.
Understanding the psychology of change is crucial for leading through uncertainty.
Engagement Message
Have you noticed how people react differently to the same announced change?
Here's a surprising fact: humans are neurologically wired to resist change. Our brains are designed to recognize patterns and automate responses to conserve mental energy.
Change disrupts these patterns, triggering stress responses even when the change is positive.
Engagement Message
Why might someone resist a promotion or new opportunity that seems obviously beneficial?
When change hits, people's brains shift into threat-detection mode. The amygdala activates, reducing access to rational thinking and problem-solving abilities.
This explains why logical arguments often fail during change announcements. People literally can't think as clearly as usual.
Engagement Message
What happens when you try to reason with someone who's feeling threatened?
Change creates four predictable psychological responses: denial ("This won't really happen"), anger ("This is stupid"), bargaining ("Maybe if we..."), and eventually acceptance.
Not everyone moves through these stages at the same pace or in the same order.
Engagement Message
Which stage do you typically experience first when facing unwanted change?
Loss aversion plays a huge role in change resistance. People fear losing what they have more than they value gaining something new.
Even when change offers clear benefits, the fear of losing current comfort, relationships, or status can override rational evaluation.
Engagement Message
What losses might someone fear when their team structure changes?
