Addressing our Immunity to Change

Do you ever find yourself stuck in the same rut, yearning for different results but unable to break free from the cycle? You're not alone.

A lot of my coachees know exactly what they need to do see the growth and success they desire. But they are unable to do what's needed. If this is you - read on.

Understanding Immunity to Change

Immunity to Change, as coined by Harvard professors Robert Kegan and Lisa Lahey, sheds light on why individuals and organizations struggle to make lasting changes. It's the invisible force that keeps us tethered to familiar routines and habits, even when they no longer serve us. This resistance to change is often rooted in deeply ingrained beliefs, fears, and self-imposed limitations.

Reflecting on My Journey

Despite receiving numerous requests to teach public speaking skills after my TEDx talk, I found myself caught in the trap of the urgent versus the important. I had a full plate with my coaching and corporate work and managing a thriving non-profit. I also wanted to write a book and additionally launching a new program felt daunting.

How did I do it?

Overcoming Immunity to Change:

I had all the skills and expertise needed to create the group coaching program. But I was just not making progress. Here is how I broke free of this challenge:

Step 1: Identify the Commitment

My commitment was clear: to develop a groundbreaking public speaking course that would empower leaders. I was convinced it would be a significant value add and I knew I would feel extremely satisfied when I finally made it work.

Step 2: Uncover the Competing Commitments

My desire to maintain my reputation for expertise and innovation conflicted with my fear of releasing anything less than exemplary.

Step 3: Identify the Underlying Assumptions

I believed my course needed to be unique to uphold my status as a top-tier leadership coach.

Step 4: Test and Reframe the Underlying Assumptions

Through interviews and testing, I discovered my audience valued practical applicability over groundbreaking innovation.

Step 5: Modify Commitments and Take Action

With this insight, I adjusted my approach, integrating proven strategies with innovative techniques focused on immediate benefits.

This transformational journey taught me the importance of challenging ingrained beliefs, embracing discomfort, and taking intentional action towards meaningful change.

As a testament to the power of change, I'm thrilled to share that I've been now recognized as a Top Public Speaking Voice on LinkedIn.

🛠️ Toolkit for Overcoming Immunity to Change

Three Strategies for Transformation:

1. Identify Your Immunity Triggers: Reflect on the beliefs, fears, and self-imposed limitations that contribute to your Immunity to Change. What patterns do you notice? What recurring thoughts or behaviors hinder your progress?
2. Challenge Assumptions: Engage in courageous conversations with yourself and with trusted mentors, colleagues, or coaches to challenge your assumptions and beliefs. Seek feedback and different perspectives to gain new insights and broaden your perspective.
3. Experiment with New Behaviors: Step outside your comfort zone and experiment with new behaviors or approaches. Embrace failure as a natural part of the learning process and use each experience as an opportunity for growth and development.

Two Essential Skills to Cultivate:

1. Self-Awareness: Cultivate a deep understanding of your strengths, weaknesses, and areas for growth. Self-awareness enables you to recognize patterns of behavior and thought that contribute to your Immunity to Change, empowering you to make intentional choices aligned with your goals.
2. Courage: Develop the courage to challenge your comfort zone and confront the barriers that hold you back. Embrace vulnerability and take bold action towards your development, knowing that true growth lies on the other side of fear.

One Actionable Challenge:

Invest in Your Learning Journey: Take proactive steps towards your growth and development by exploring opportunities for learning and self-discovery. Whether it's enrolling in a leadership program, seeking out mentorship, or investing in coaching, prioritize your personal and professional development.

Ready to take the first step? Book a complimentary strategic consultation with me.

Together, we'll explore how you can overcome your immunity to change and unlock your full leadership potential.. It will be a valuable 45 mins you invest in yourself.

Yours in learning,

Shivangi Walke

Founder, Leading is Learning