3. Hi, I’m Lucy - a change
strategist, coach, and
storyteller with a deep
fascination for how we
navigate the unknown.
I’ve spent years guiding people and businesses through change. First by figuring
it out for myself, then by helping others do the same. And if there’s one thing I
know for sure, it’s this: change doesn’t have to feel like stepping into the unknown
without a map.
Introduction
Light Spark Group
Strategic & People-Centred
Change Consultancy
4. 70% of change
initiatives fail because
of employee resistance
and lack of support.
Resistance to change is natural, but it can be managed. Today, we’re going to
explore why people resist change at work and how we can move through it with
confidence.
Introduction
6. People feel comfortable with what they know.
Change creates uncertainty about roles, expectations, and
Fear of the
unknown
7. Change can feel imposed rather than chosen.
Employees may feel their voices aren’t heard.
Loss of
control
8. If employees don’t trust leadership, they are more likely to resist
changes. Past experiences with poor change management affect how
people react.
Lack of
trust in
leadership
9. The human brain prefers routines. Change requires rewiring habits,
which takes effort and stepping outside of the comfort zone.
Habit and
Comfort
Zones
10. People resist what they don’t understand.
If the ‘why’ behind the change isn’t clear, people will fill in the gaps
with their own (often negative) assumptions.
Lack of clear
communication
12. The more involved people are in the
change, the less resistance they feel.
Tip: Encourage employees to ask
questions, seek clarity, and provide
input.
Leaders need to create an
environment where people feel safe to
express concerns.
Tip: Instead of shutting down
concerns, acknowledge them and
provide support.
Change as an Opportunity, Not a
Threat. Change feels like loss because
we focus on what’s being taken
away.
Shift the question from “Why is this
happening to me?” to “How can this
work for me?”
Overcome
by...
Get involved and ask questions Psychological Safety in Teams
Shift Mindsets
13. Change is overwhelming when it feels
too big.
Tip: Take an incremental approach
and small wins to build confidence.
Leaders need to create an
environment where people feel safe to
express concerns.
Tip: Instead of shutting down
concerns, acknowledge them and
provide support.
People need clarity on:
Why this change is happening
(the bigger picture)
What’s changing (specific details)
How it impacts them (day-to-day
impact and benefits)
Break Change into Small,
Manageable Steps
Recognise and Reward
Adaptation
Communicate the Why, What,
and How