137. Why We Resist Change… with Jeff Skipper and Prina Shah

Today, we have Jeff Skipper, joining us all the way from Calgary, Alberta. Jeff is a renowned expert in accelerating change with over 25 years of experience working with top-tier clients like IBM, Suncorp, Goldman Sachs, and the Salvation Army. He holds a master's degree in organizational psychology, is a certified change management professional, and the author of "Dancing with Disruption."

In this episode, we dive deep into the psychology behind why humans in the workplace resist change, even in a world that glorifies innovation and continuous improvement. Jeff shares his valuable insights on how to maximize the potential for people to flourish during change, rather than freeze or flee. We discuss the critical differences between change management and project management, the importance of addressing the emotional impact of change, and how to create a culture where discomfort is seen as a catalyst for growth.

Key Topics Covered:

1. The Psychology of Change Resistance
2. Difference Between Change Management and Project Management
3. Creating a Supportive Change Culture
4. Aligning Change Initiatives with Company Culture
5. The Role of Middle Managers in Change
6. Leveraging Resistance as a Source of Learning
7. Effective Change Communication

Quotes to Remember:

• "In a world that glorifies innovation and continuous improvement, why do humans in the workplace still resist change?"
• "Change management focuses on the people side of change, whereas project management is all about tasks and timelines."
• "We need to make failure acceptable and provide the necessary support for people to feel safe during change."

More about Jeff:

Jeff Skipper is an expert in accelerating change. For more than 25 years, clients such as IBM, Suncorp, Goldman Sachs, and The Salvation Army have engaged him to achieve dramatic results during strategic transformation. Jeff holds a Master’s degree in Organizational Psychology, is a Certified Change Management Professional, and the author of Dancing with Disruption.

Links:

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