Turning Resistance into Engagement

Resistance seem to be happening more and more in the workplace but resistance at work can be misunderstood.

Leaders label it as pushback, negativity, or lack of commitment — but in reality, resistance is a signal. It’s a form of communication. And when managers learn to read that signal, they unlock one of the most powerful levers for engagement.

In emotionally intelligent organisations, resistance isn’t something to fight. It’s something to listen to.

So why does resistance happen

People don’t resist change itself — they resist the loss they associate with it.

Loss of control.

Loss of certainty.

Loss of competence.

Loss of identity.

Loss of connection.

When we view resistance through this human lens, everything shifts. We should be asking, “Why are they resisting?”, and “What do they need right now?”

That’s where engagement begins in the first place. Afterall, there is always a reason for someone's behaviour, its just about getting to the root cause of it.