Today’s episode kicks off a two-part conversation where we unpack six key behaviors that help leaders navigate organizational change with greater confidence and clarity. Whether you are leading through a season of transition or preparing for what’s ahead, these behaviors are practical, grounded, and tested in real-world leadership.

Understand that resistance to change is more about loss than change

• Ask yourself: what are people losing with this change?
• The intangibles of change, the subjective piece of it and the associated sense of loss that create the bulk of the disruption.

Take a right brain approach

• Our temptation is to “left brain” the loss associated with change. We use logic and objectivity instead of empathy and compassion.
• Just because something is not tangible does not mean it hurts less. Accept this rather than fight against it.

Talk about the losses openly and compassionately

• Name specific examples of what people might be grieving.
• Avoid rushing to the “bright side” too quickly—hold space for grief first.
• Affirm the value of what is being lost, even if it is being replaced or transformed.
• Connect the sense of loss to hope and faith without minimizing the present emotion.

Perhaps nothing will challenge your leadership more than navigating change, both big and small in the church you lead.