In the latest HCI Webinar, Dr. Jonathan H. Westover talks with Lisa DeAngelis about her book, Embracing the Unknown: Exploring the Pathways to Change. Below is a summary of the main points from their conversation! Check out the full episode and let us know what you think!
Watch the episode here:
Quick Recap
Lisa Deangelis and Jonathan discussed Lisa's book "Embracing the Unknown: Exploring the Pathways to Change", which focuses on personal and organizational change in the modern era of complexity and rapid disruption. They explored the human resistance to change, the importance of personal change, and the role of courage and adaptability in the face of change. The conversation also touched on the impact of personal transformational change, the concept of resilience, the importance of authenticity and vulnerability in personal and organizational change, and the role of observing others' successful actions in inspiring personal change.
Embracing Change in the Modern Era
Jonathan and Lisa Deangelis discussed Lisa's recent book, "Embracing the Unknown: Exploring the Pathways to Change". Lisa, a holistic change practitioner, author, teacher, and speaker, shared her personal journey of change and how it has shaped her career. She emphasized the importance of embracing change in the modern era of complexity and rapid disruption. Lisa also shared her background as a classically trained singer and how she pivoted her career into change management. The conversation laid the foundation for further exploration of change and its impact on individuals and organizations.
Human Resistance to Change Explained
Lisa and Jonathan discussed the human resistance to change and the reasons behind it. They agreed that this resistance is rooted in human nature, with a tendency to prefer comfort, consistency, and control. Jonathan suggested that this resistance is a result of our evolutionary psychology, which was designed to protect us from threats in our environment. However, he also pointed out that this response is not necessary in the modern world, and that we can learn to manage our resistance to change by recognizing it and making conscious choices. Lisa agreed, emphasizing the importance of becoming aware of our habits and making different choices to adapt to the changing world.
The Power of Personal Change
Lisa and Jonathan discussed the concept of change and its impact on individuals and groups. Lisa highlighted the importance of personal change, noting that there is a lack of research on the subject compared to organizational change. She emphasized that individuals are the key to constant evolution and that change requires courage and work. Jonathan shared a personal example of his family's history, illustrating how one person's courage to break away from tradition led to a significant change in their family's trajectory. Both agreed that change can be challenging, but ultimately necessary for personal growth and progress.
Courage and Adaptability in Change
Jonathan and Lisa discussed the importance of courage and adaptability in the face of change. Jonathan shared personal examples from his family history, highlighting the courage required for significant changes. Lisa emphasized the role of observing others' successful actions in inspiring personal change and the need to celebrate these actions more often. She also introduced the concept of "proof loops" to reinforce positive experiences. Jonathan shared a family story about his father's entrepreneurial venture, which taught him about courage and family support during challenging times.
Personal Transformation and Ant Colony Resilience
Jonathan and Lisa discussed the impact of personal transformational change on their lives and their children's lives. They also explored the concept of resilience, drawing on a research study about ant colonies' responses to disruption. Lisa highlighted three main ways ant colonies responded to disruption: investing in strong infrastructure, redirecting energy and resources, and rebuilding. She suggested that these strategies could be applied to personal resilience, emphasizing the importance of flexible, adaptable tools. The conversation concluded with a comparison of different types of courage, with Lisa noting that her brother-in-law, a firefighter, displays a different type of courage than she does when she steps outside her comfort zone.
Authenticity and Vulnerability in Change
Jonathan and Lisa discussed the importance of authenticity and vulnerability in personal and organizational change. Lisa emphasized that authenticity is not a fixed state, but rather a spectrum of displaying one's true self, acknowledging one's emotions, and being honest with oneself and others. She shared her experiences with horses, which she believes mirror the importance of authenticity, as they don't trust individuals who hide their true feelings. Jonathan agreed with Lisa's points and suggested that practicing authenticity and vulnerability is crucial for change. Lisa also offered her book, "Embracing the Unknown," as a resource for further exploration of these topics.
Listen to the webinar here:
