I talk often in my updates about what feels like a need to deal with constant change and continued expectations to transform the ways we work.
This week I hosted a SOLACE session on Immunity to Change with Professor Christopher Pietroni which offered a really interesting take on what sometimes gets in the way of change and how to tackle that.
The Immunity to Change approach reminds us that when change feels difficult, slow, or uneven, it is rarely because people don’t care or aren’t trying. More often, it’s because we are holding competing commitments at the same time. We may genuinely want improvement and innovation, while also being deeply committed to protecting quality, relationships, safety, professional standards, or our own wellbeing.
This means that what can look like resistance is often a form of self‑protection. Recognising this, shifts the conversation from “Why won’t this change happen?” to “What matters here that we need to acknowledge and work with?”
In practice, this has a few important implications for us:
- Honesty helps change move faster. When we can speak openly about concerns, risks, and uncertainties, we reduce the hidden barriers that slow progress.
- Discomfort is part of learning. Feeling stretched or uncertain doesn’t mean something is wrong; it often means we are working at the edge of what we know.
- Small experiments beat perfect plans. In a changing environment, learning quickly from real experience is more effective than waiting for certainty.
Our collective task is not just to deliver change, but to create the conditions for learning – where people feel safe to raise concerns, test assumptions, and adapt together.
As we move forward, let’s continue to approach change with curiosity, compassion, and a willingness to learn – recognising that sustainable transformation is as much about people and mindset as it is about systems and processes.
If you are interested in exploring the topic further, there is a great podcast on Immunity Change with Brene Brown and Lisa Lahey, it’s part of the ‘Dare to Lead’ series – more info here Immunity to Change, Part 1 of 2 – Brené Brown
Enjoy your weekend.
Pippa
Pippa Milne
Chief Executive
