Change leaders are often expected to maintain momentum, provide reassurance and keep people engaged, even when they do not have all the answers themselves.
However, successfully leading change requires more than a clear plan or effective communications. Leaders also need to understand the psychological processes influencing how people respond.
In this Change Chat, Lucy Trueman, Organisational Psychologist and Founder of Trueman Change, introduced three psychological tools that can help leaders make better sense of behaviour during periods of uncertainty and transformation.
Understanding the psychology behind change
Resistance, anxiety and disengagement are frequently seen as barriers that need to be overcome. However, these responses are often understandable reactions to uncertainty, a perceived loss of control or concerns about what the change may mean for someone’s role, relationships or professional identity.
During the session, Lucy explored why people do not always react to change in the way leaders expect. She explained how organisational psychology can help leaders look beyond visible behaviours and consider what may be driving them.
By understanding these underlying responses, leaders can make more informed decisions about how they communicate, engage and support their teams.
Three tools for change leaders
The session introduced three psychological concepts designed to help leaders think differently about:
- How uncertainty affects behaviour and decision-making
- Why people may resist or disengage from change
- The role of motivation, identity and group dynamics
- What people need from their leaders when the future is unclear
- How to maintain trust and momentum without pretending to have every answer
Rather than offering a simple formula for managing change, the tools provide a practical framework for understanding what may be happening beneath the surface.
A practical session for anyone leading people through change
The discussion is relevant for chief executives, directors, heads of service, managers and change professionals working across the public sector.
It will be particularly useful for organisations navigating Local Government Reorganisation, restructuring, cultural change or another complex transformation programme.
Watch the full recording to discover how a stronger understanding of psychology can help you lead change with greater confidence, clarity and empathy.
