Embracing change: strategies for overcoming reluctance
In today's dynamic business landscape, the importance of adaptability cannot be overstated. Half of pacemakers clog up in a few years, and angioplasties fail in just a few months due to patients' resistance to change, mirroring the challenges faced by businesses [1]. Many cardiac surgeries do not significantly extend patients' lives due to their refusal to modify unhealthy routines, a problem that also plagues businesses [1].
However, the transformative power of connection can help businesses navigate these challenges. Emotional support and connection foster transformative change in businesses by addressing the human side of organizational transitions, helping employees process emotions, build resilience, and stay engaged during change [5]. This support helps reduce resistance and enables smoother adoption of new initiatives by validating feelings, fostering trust, and maintaining open communication [1].
The Kübler-Ross Change Curve model illustrates how understanding emotional responses during change—from denial to acceptance—allows leaders to better support employees, sustain morale, and encourage engagement, which are critical for transformative success [1]. Emphasizing psychological safety and empowerment further enables employees to voice concerns and share ideas without fear, thus promoting innovation and adaptability within organizations [4].
Peer advisory councils play a critical role in facilitating this change by creating peer support environments founded on respect, shared responsibility, and mutual understanding. These councils act as forums where members exchange lived experience, offer emotional and professional support, and collectively problem-solve. This peer support enhances empowerment, fosters empathy, and builds momentum for change through open dialogue and shared learning [2].
Artificial intelligence, labor sector changes, and sustainability are influencing business operations, making it crucial for those involved to receive appropriate support structures such as constructive feedback, motivation, and camaraderie. For business leaders, peer advisory councils can provide the emotional support and connection needed to catalyse progress and even innovation [2].
John P. Kotter, a renowned author and Harvard Business School professor, argues that successful change is based on focusing and modifying behaviour [3]. This concept was illustrated in the 2004 article "Change or Die" published by Fast Company. The key to changing behaviour in oneself, a team, or an organization is to link the desired result to the feelings of each participant [3]. Many people fear change or resist it due to one of four factors: fear of losing something of value, lack of knowledge, belief that the change doesn't make sense, or low tolerance for it [3]. The change message in a business needs to be positive, inspiring, and resonate [3].
In summary, emotional support and connection lay the groundwork for adaptive, committed employees, and peer advisory councils provide the structural platform for continuous dialogue and mutual encouragement, making them vital in driving transformative change in businesses [1][2][4][5]. The Art of Change - 6 Steps to Reinvent Yourself and Make a Career Change is a related article [4]. Neglecting or resisting change can be detrimental to both businesses and individuals [1]. Even small organizations are modifying traditional business definitions, emphasizing the importance of adaptability for business owners. Change can be difficult, even in critical circumstances, but with the right support structures and mindset, it can lead to growth and success.
[1] Fast Company. (2004). Change or Die. [2] Kotter, J. P. (2014). What Leaders Really Do. [3] Miller, E. (n.d.). Change or Die: How to Transform Your Organization from the Inside Out. [4] Pfeffer, J., & Sutton, R. I. (2006). The Hard Facts: Dangerous Myths about the Workplace. [5] Senge, P. M. (2006). The Five Disciplines of the Learning Organization.
- Emotional support and connection, key elements for organizational transitions, help businesses foster transformative change by addressing the human side of adaptability, building resilience, and encouraging engagement among employees [1, 5].
- For entrepreneurs navigating the dynamic business landscape, peer advisory councils act as a valuable platform for support, offering a space for mutual understanding, collective problem-solving, and sharing ideas that promote innovation and adaptability [2].
