Why Your Perfect Change Plan Still Faces Resistance (And What To Do About It) with Travis Hahler

20/05/2025 27 min

Listen "Why Your Perfect Change Plan Still Faces Resistance (And What To Do About It) with Travis Hahler"

Episode Synopsis

Ever wonder why perfectly logical transformation plans meet fierce resistance? Travis Hahler, change management expert and neuroscience researcher, reveals how our brains are hardwired to fight change through two fundamental mechanisms: energy conservation and protection. For transformation leaders, this shifts the entire approach from trying to design "lovable" changes to creating environments where adoption can thrive despite neurological barriers. Travis explains why your most vocal critics might be your greatest allies, why resistance isn't a reflection of your leadership, and offers practical strategies for accelerating adoption. A game-changing perspective for change leaders tired of taking resistance personally and ready to leverage neuroscience for better results.----Connect with:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Nellie Wartoft⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CEO of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tigerhall⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Chair of the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Executive Council for Leading Change (ECLC)⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected] ----00.00 - Introduction 01:30 - What actually happens in our brains when faced with change03:45 - Why resistance is universal: the brain's energy efficiency and protection mechanisms05:20 - Comparing work stress to our primitive fight-or-flight response07:10 - The change curve and why most leaders plan for the wrong phase09:15 - Why jumping straight to execution never works in change initiatives12:30 - How vulnerability and honesty build trust when leading through uncertainty14:45 - Why most leaders take resistance personally (and why they shouldn't)16:20 - Creating environments for adoption rather than trying to design "lovable" changes19:40 - Why quarterly processes might take years, not weeks, to fully adopt22:15 - How leaders confuse resistance to change with rejection of their leadership24:30 - Breaking the productivity loop: getting past denial faster27:15 - Why conscious resistors are often your most valuable allies29:35 - The difference between vocal "rebels" and silent "saboteurs"32:10 - Three immediate actions for leaders: vulnerability, empathy, and addressing loss----Breathe by RYGO | https://soundcloud.com/francesco-rigolonEverything You Need Is By Your Side by Vlad Gluschenko |Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.comCreative Commons / Attribution 3.0 Unported License (CC BY 3.0)https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US

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