The Psychology Behind Resistance to Change | University of Aberdeen

Summary

The script explores how human brains are wired to respond to threats, such as job insecurity, change, and new challenges. It explains how our natural inclination is to seek consistency and avoid discomfort. Change, especially in professional contexts, can trigger feelings of threat. The key to minimizing these threats lies in storytelling—explaining the reasons behind changes, their impact, and how people will be supported through them. Storytelling can help rewire our brains, making us feel more secure and less threatened by change. The focus is on how context and narrative can ease transitions and maintain a sense of stability.

Takeaways

• 😀 Humans are still wired to respond to threats, especially in terms of job security and changes in their environment.
• 😀 Our brains are wired for consistency and efficiency, which is why we naturally avoid disruptions and change.
• 😀 Change in the workplace can feel like a threat to one's job, status, and the ability to earn a living.
• 😀 People are wired to prefer consistency in their thought processes and routines, as it minimizes cognitive effort.
• 😀 To help people navigate change, it is important to provide context about the reasons behind the change.
• 😀 Storytelling is a powerful tool to reduce the perception of threats associated with change.
• 😀 When explaining change, focus on how it impacts the individual, and the support that will be provided to them.
• 😀 Framing changes as part of a larger story helps individuals process and accept them more easily.
• 😀 Change can cause feelings of anxiety and resistance, but a clear narrative can help mitigate those feelings.
• 😀 Leaders should emphasize the positive aspects of change, including the potential benefits for individuals and teams.

Q & A

Why are human beings wired to resist change, according to the transcript?

Humans are wired to resist change due to the brain's natural tendency to prioritize consistency and minimize perceived threats. Our brains aim to conserve energy by sticking to familiar patterns, which helps us feel safe and in control.

What is the 'threat' humans are wired to respond to, and how does it relate to the workplace?

The 'threat' humans are wired to respond to is anything that challenges their sense of safety, including changes in their job or work environment. In the workplace, threats can include changes in teams, locations, or job roles, which can cause anxiety about one's ability to perform or be accepted.

What three things do humans typically desire in terms of personal interactions, according to the speaker?

Humans typically desire to be superior, to be liked, and to maintain consistency in their lives. These desires shape how we react to changes and challenges, especially in social and professional settings.

Why do people naturally resist change?

People naturally resist change because it introduces uncertainty and perceived threats to their established routines. The brain prefers consistency because it requires less cognitive energy and creates a sense of stability.

How does storytelling help reduce the impact of change?

Storytelling helps reduce the impact of change by providing context and clarity about why the change is happening. It reassures people by showing them how the change will affect them and how they can manage it, thus reducing feelings of threat and insecurity.

What role does context play in storytelling for managing change?

Context is crucial in storytelling because it helps people understand the background and purpose of the change. By situating the change within a larger narrative, individuals are less likely to feel personally threatened or uncertain about it.

What is meant by 'rewiring the brain' through storytelling?

Rewiring the brain through storytelling refers to the way that framing information in a narrative format can alter how we perceive and react to change. Storytelling can help reshape our emotional responses, making us more receptive to change by reducing feelings of fear and resistance.

What is the significance of explaining the impact of change in storytelling?

Explaining the impact of change in storytelling is significant because it allows individuals to understand how the change will directly affect them. This helps reduce fear of the unknown and provides a sense of control over the situation.

What are some potential feelings people may experience when faced with change in the workplace?

People may experience feelings of fear, insecurity, and anxiety when faced with change in the workplace. Common concerns include the possibility of not being as good at their job after the change, or not being accepted by new teams.

How does minimizing threats through storytelling improve employee acceptance of change?

Minimizing threats through storytelling helps employees understand that the change is not a personal attack or failure. By providing a clear, supportive narrative, it reduces the emotional impact of change, making employees more likely to accept and adapt to it.