The Resistance and Immunity to Change

In Steven Pressfield’s book, “The War of Art,” he talks about ‘Resistance’ as the collective term for the internal psychological barriers we all face—fear, self-doubt, complacency and old habits that once served us but now hold us back. This concept is critical when coaching community banks, where transforming into a forward-thinking culture is essential yet challenging.

Identifying and Confronting Personal ‘Resistance’

To apply Pressfield’s principles, we encourage each team member to identify and confront their own ‘Resistance.’ This might be a reluctance to abandon old procedures, hesitation to embrace new technologies, or discomfort with innovative thinking. By recognizing these barriers as a natural part of the change process, you can then commit to a personal “One Big Thing”—a significant behavioral shift that directly challenges your ‘Resistance.’

This isn’t just about learning something new; it’s a deeper, more introspective journey. It requires acknowledging and actively working against the ingrained tendencies that stall progress.

The Role of ‘Immunity to Change’ in Transformation

Lisa Lahey’s ‘Immunity to Change’ concept provides a robust framework for this process. Lahey argues that we all have a built-in system that unconsciously resists change, even when we are committed to it. This ‘immunity’ comprises competing commitments and underlying assumptions that must be brought to light and addressed for real change to occur.

Combining ‘Resistance’ and ‘Immunity to Change’ for Success

By combining Pressfield’s idea of ‘Resistance’ with Lahey’s ‘Immunity to Change,’ we can create a more comprehensive approach. Encourage your team to not only identify their ‘Resistance’ but also uncover the competing commitments and hidden assumptions that sustain it. This dual approach helps individuals understand why they resist change and what they must do to overcome it.

Creating Organizational Transformation Through Personal Victories

As you face and conquer this personal ‘Resistance’ and dismantle your ‘Immunity to Change,’ these individual victories contribute to the larger cultural shift. It’s the collective overcoming of these barriers that will create the organizational change you’re aiming for.

Transforming your organization is a mosaic of personal battles won against ‘Resistance’ and ‘Immunity to Change.’ This leads to a cohesive and agile culture capable of navigating the complexities of the modern community banking landscape.

Encouraging Team Growth for Cultural Transformation

So, encourage your team to confront their own ‘Resistance’ and ‘Immunity to Change.’ Support them as they make their “One Big Thing” a reality. By doing this, you’ll drive the cultural transformation needed to thrive in today’s ever-changing environment. 

Reach out to us for more on how our team can help your community bank succeed!