Resistance is Normal: Lessons from Project Management Stories
Nov 21, 2025Every leader has faced resistance to change. It’s frustrating, often feels personal, and can derail even the best-planned projects.
But what if resistance isn’t a sign of failure, but a normal part of the process?
In our podcast with Dr. Guieswende Rouamba, we explored this question through the story of George—a talented but resistant character in his book *The Instructional Designer’s Guide to Project Management*.
The Problem
Too often, leaders expect change to be smooth and immediate. When resistance arises, they interpret it as defiance or incompetence, escalating conflict instead of addressing concerns.
The Path
Guieswende reminds us that resistance is normal. By showing patience, clarifying purpose, and engaging in open dialogue, leaders can turn pushback into collaboration.
Bob, the resilient leader in the story, models this by staying steady, listening carefully, and building trust over time.
The Payoff
When leaders normalize resistance and approach it with empathy, they gain allies instead of adversaries. Projects move forward with stronger buy-in, and teams grow more resilient in the face of change.
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Reflection Question:
What change are you leading right now, and how can you normalize resistance rather than fight against it?
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