Navigating Resistance: The Human Side of Change
Change often brings excitement, innovation, and progress—but it can also stir up uncertainty. We live in a world of rapid transformation, where change is happening all around us at a lightning speed. We strive for organizational excellence. We coach and facilitate improvement and get jazzed up about the results. Yet, in the excitement and race to implement new processes and celebrate wins, the emotional impact on individuals can be easily overlooked. This interactive workshop invites leaders, managers, and change agents to explore the human side of change—where feelings of loss, grief, confusion, and resistance often reside. Blending change management theory with grief models and practical communication strategies, participants will engage in thought-provoking discussions, and group activities to better recognize emotional responses, respond with empathy, and foster trust during times of transition. Come prepared to shift from simply driving change to truly supporting those who experience it as this workshop offers a thoughtful approach to fostering both progress and psychological safety during transformation.
Key Takeaways:
- Understand the emotional impact of change, including loss and resistance.
- Learn to recognize and respond in way that’s validating.
- Use communication strategies to build trust and psychological safety.
- Shift from solely implementing change to supporting people through it.
About April Thomas
April Thomas is a people-focused leader and Lean Six Sigma expert dedicated to creating high-performing, engaged workplaces. She specializes in strategic planning, process improvement, and team development. Passionate about fostering psychological safety and continuous improvement, April integrates empathy and data-driven strategies to drive sustainable change. As Certified Mental Health First Aid Instructor and Grief Educator, she also champions wellness in the workplace. An active nonprofit leader, April serves in key roles with ASQ, AME, Peninsula ASAP, and Colonial Behavioral Health. Her mission: empower people and organizations to reach their full potential.
