If there’s one thing we can all count on—at work and in life—it’s change.

Some of us thrive on it, constantly looking for the next challenge or opportunity. Others prefer consistency, where things remain steady and predictable. Both perspectives are valid. But no matter where you land, one truth holds: change is inevitable.

The question isn’t whether change will happen—it’s how we respond to it.

Why Change Feels So Hard

As humans, we’re wired to crave certainty and control. When change shows up, it threatens that sense of security. That’s why even the smallest shifts can feel overwhelming, frustrating, or downright uncomfortable.

And yet, change is often what drives growth. Businesses that refuse to adapt—whether to technology, cultural trends, or customer needs—risk falling behind. We’ve all seen companies that collapsed simply because they didn’t keep up.

So, instead of resisting, we need tools to help us lean into change with maturity, professionalism, and confidence.

The Rider and the Elephant: Why We Struggle with Change

In their book Switch, Chip and Dan Heath share a concept from psychologist Jonathan Haidt that perfectly explains our tug-of-war with change.

Picture your emotional side as a six-ton Elephant and your rational side as the Rider sitting on top. The Rider holds the reins and appears to be in charge, but when the Elephant and Rider disagree, the Elephant usually wins.

Think of the times you’ve promised yourself you’d start getting up earlier… only to hit snooze because the bed felt too good. Or when you set a goal to eat healthier, but that cookie somehow convinced you it was “no big deal.” That’s your Elephant overpowering your Rider.

Understanding this dynamic helps us see why change is so difficult—and how we can work with both sides of ourselves (and our teams) to make it easier.

Three Keys to Making Change Stick

The Heath brothers outline three surprising truths about change that can help us manage it better:

1. Direct the Rider (clarity creates momentum)

   What looks like resistance is often just a lack of clarity. Vague goals like “eat healthier” don’t give the Rider clear direction. But when researchers taught people that whole milk was the biggest source of saturated fat in the American diet and encouraged them to switch to 1% milk, real change happened. Why? Because the path was specific and easy to follow.

   👉 Leaders must be crystal clear: What exactly needs to change? Why? By when?

2. Motivate the Elephant (engage emotions)

   What looks like laziness is often just exhaustion. The Rider can’t force the Elephant forever—it needs to want to move. That means showing the emotional payoff of the change. Share stories, paint a vision, and connect the dots between the change and how it will improve people’s work or lives.

3. Shape the Path (make change easier)

   What looks like a people problem is often an environment problem. Leaders can set their teams up for success by removing barriers and creating support. Roll changes out in manageable steps, provide mentorship, and create a culture where people feel safe voicing concerns while still moving forward.

Practical Ways to Lead Through Change

Here are a few strategies you can put into practice right away:

• Pair people up. Match those who are adapting well with those who are struggling. Peer mentorship creates a safe space for honest conversations and fresh perspectives.

• Tell stories. Show your team how the change has already led to positive outcomes for real people. Facts tell, but stories sell.

• Be precise. Vague timelines and goals create confusion. Be specific: How many? By when? For what purpose? Clarity gives both the Rider and Elephant confidence to move forward.

The Bottom Line

Change isn’t easy, but it’s necessary—for growth, for progress, and for staying relevant in an ever-evolving world. When you direct the Rider, motivate the Elephant, and shape the Path, you not only make change more manageable—you make it an opportunity.

The next time change feels overwhelming, pause and ask yourself: Am I giving my Rider clarity? Am I engaging my Elephant emotionally? Am I shaping a path that makes success possible? By practicing these three steps, you’ll not only adapt to change—you’ll lead through it with confidence.