Navigating Change With Wisdom and Grace, by Jonathan H. Westover PhD

The HCL Review Podcast

Abstract: This article explores a proven framework for cultivating personal and organizational resilience during times of change. The article identifies key principles for becoming more comfortable with change, starting from understanding one’s own mindset towards ambiguity and developing an adaptive orientation. Principles for cultivating an adaptive mindset internally include reframing change narratives, embracing impermanence, developing curiosity over fear, and practicing self-compassion. Externally, the authors advocate for connective leadership through active listening, storytelling, appreciation, and empowerment to safely navigate change together anchored in trust. Organizations can develop change agility by designing "adaptive space" through principles like holacracy, evolutionary purpose, and experimentation to condition antifragility and benefit from change. The keys to overcoming reluctance to change lie in thoughtful management both internally and externally.