THIS Leader Podcast Â
Episode 46:Â Leading Through Resistance: Your Questions AnsweredÂ
December 23, 2025
You're doing everything right—you've communicated the change, laid out the plan, invited input—and yet someone on your team is still pushing back. Before you label them as "difficult" or "resistant," what if their behavior is telling you something you need to hear? In this episode, we dive into the real sources of resistance and how to lead through it with curiosity, clarity, and courage—whether you're the leader, the resistant person, or stuck somewhere in the middle.
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In this episode, I share a story about when I was that resistant person and what it taught me about leading through pushback.
We'll explore the most common sources of resistance—lack of clarity about the WHY, feeling excluded, disagreeing with direction, compromised trust, and unrealistic expectations—and how to address each one proactively.
But what about when you're leading a change you don't fully believe in? I'll show you how to navigate this middle manager dilemma with integrity. Whether you're the leader, the resistant person, or stuck in between, you'll learn to engage constructively and move forward with confidence.
"Resistance is information. It's telling you something. Maybe it's telling you that you weren't clear enough. Maybe it's telling you that there's a legitimate concern you haven't addressed. Maybe it's telling you that trust is compromised and needs repair. Listen to learn what the resistance is telling you."
Welcome to Episode 46:Â Leading Through Resistance
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About your Host
Claire Laughlin, MA, Organizational Development Consultant
Hi! I'm Claire Laughlin, and I love helping leaders like you create workplaces where people truly thrive.
For over two decades, I've been rolling up my sleeves alongside teams and organizations, using hands-on methods that actually work (because let's face it - theory only gets you so far!).Â
I specialize in teaching leaders how to engage their teams, helping managers become more effective facilitators, and showing people how to work better together.
I'm also a master facilitator for the Six Types of Working Genius® - a fantastic tool that helps you understand and leverage your natural talents.
When I'm not helping leaders like you build happy, high-energy workplaces, I'm enjoying a hike in the forest with my dog Fiona, spending time with my family or curled up with a great book.
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Let's keep the party going!
We have tons of great episodes waiting for you! Check them out on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
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