THIS Leader Podcast
Episode 09: You ARE a Change Leader
April 1, 2025
In this episode, we explore why you're a change leader, regardless of your formal title or position. Whether you're navigating technology updates, team reorganizations, or shifting priorities, mastering the emotional journey of change is essential. Discover strategies to navigate transitions yourself and effectively guide others through the inevitable change in today's constantly evolving workplace.
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Do you feel like you're constantly playing catch-up with the endless stream of changes at work? From technology updates to team reorganizations, budget fluctuations to new initiatives, change truly is the only constant in today's workplace.
In this episode, I dive deep into why mastering change leadership is no longer optional, it's essential for your success whether you formally lead a team or not. If you're a busy professional juggling multiple responsibilities while trying to maintain control of your workload, you know how overwhelming constant change can be.
I'll share powerful frameworks like the "change bridge" that explains why executives and their teams often experience the same change so differently. You'll discover David Rock's SCARF model to understand the neuroscience behind resistance to change, and learn the SARAH emotional journey that explains why people respond the way they do during transitions.
Most importantly, you'll walk away with concrete strategies to lead yourself and others through change with confidence and clarity, transforming from someone who merely survives change to someone who thrives through it and helps others do the same.
"Whether you actively lead a team or not, you need to become intimately familiar with the nuance of change, and develop the skills to navigate it yourself while leading others through it too."
Highlights from this episode:
In this episode, we delve into the complex reality that change is inevitable in our workplaces. Whether you formally lead a team or not, developing skills to navigate change effectively makes you an invaluable asset in today's rapidly evolving environment.
Understanding the Three Dimensions of Change
- Change we choose versus change imposed upon us
- Change that feels favorable versus unfavorable
- Change we can anticipate versus change that catches us by surprise
I introduce the powerful "change bridge" metaphor that explains why executives and team members often experience the same change in completely different ways. Leaders typically start crossing this bridge months before anyone else even sees it on the horizon, creating a disconnect in understanding and emotional readiness.
The Neuroscience Behind Change Resistance
David Rock's SCARF model helps us understand how our brains naturally respond to change as potential threats:
- Status - our standing relative to others
- Certainty - our need to predict what's coming
- Autonomy - our desire to control our circumstances
- Relatedness - our connection to people around us
- Fairness - our sense of equitable treatment
Through a practical example of implementing new project management software, I demonstrate how even seemingly simple changes can trigger all five threat responses and how leaders can address each one.
The Emotional Journey of Change: SARAH Framework
People experiencing significant change often move through grief-like emotions that follow this pattern:
- Shock - the initial response when change is announced
- Anger - the emotional reaction that follows shock
- Resistance - reverting to previous behaviors or subtly opposing moving forward
- Acceptance - beginning to adapt to new realities
- Hope - seeing a positive pathway forward
These stages aren't linear, and recognizing where someone is in this journey helps you respond appropriately as a leader.
Practical Takeaways for Effective Change Leadership:
- Communicate early and often, sharing the WHY behind changes
- Build in elements of choice to address people's need for autonomy
- Acknowledge emotions directly to validate experiences
- Remember that your own reaction to change sets the tone for your team
Ultimately, your ability to navigate change is perhaps the most valuable leadership skill you can develop, not about avoiding discomfort, but moving through it with awareness and intention while bringing others along with you.
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Links mentioned in this episode:
- Visit clairelaughlin.com for additional resources and tools
- Connect with me on social media @ClaireLaughlinConsulting
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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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