737: How Do You Handle Team Members Who Don’t Accept Change? - Ask Denis

Leadership Is Changing

What if resistance isn’t the problem, but a signal?

Denis Gianoutsos unpacks one of the most common leadership challenges: managing team members who resist change. Whether it’s a strategic shift, a new system, or a company restructure, resistance is inevitable. But how you lead through it is what separates average leaders from extraordinary ones.

Denis shares a 5-step approach to turn resistance into momentum. You’ll learn how to respond with curiosity, communicate vision repeatedly, protect your team’s energy, and have the tough conversations when needed. These strategies will help you not only reduce pushback but also grow stronger, more adaptive teams.

#1: Start with Curiosity, Not Control

• Ask: What’s behind the hesitation, fear, fatigue, and lack of clarity?
• Don’t label resistance as a problem; engage it as an opportunity
• “People support what they help create.”

#2: Communicate the Why Again (and Again)

• One message isn’t enough; repeat the vision in different ways
• Link change to personal and team impact
• Anchor transformation to the purpose of driving emotional buy-in

#3: Address the Energy Drainers

• Some resistance is loud and contagious; don’t let it spread
• Give feedback respectfully, but protect the culture
• Make it clear: feedback is welcome, sabotage is not

#4: Coach for Growth or Make the Call

• Offer support and tools to adapt
• But if resistance becomes a roadblock, take action
• “Leadership isn’t about being liked, it’s about doing what’s right.”

#5: Celebrate the Adapters

• Spotlight those who lean in and take risks
• Recognition can shift team culture and create positive contagion
• Lead change through example and energy

Key Quotes:

“Resistance isn’t the enemy, silence is.” – Denis Gianoutsos

“Leadership isn’t just about being liked, it’s about doing what’s right for the mission and for the future.” – Denis Gianoutsos

Book a Strategy Call with Denis https://app.leadingchangepartners.com/widget/bookings/callwithdenisgianoutsos

The 10 Proven Ways to Lead and Thrive in Today's World

Executive Guide Featuring 10 Key Themes and 42 Strategic Insights from Worldwide Leaders

https://crm.leadingchangepartners.com/10-ways-to-lead

Connect with Denis:

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.LeadingChangePartners.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/denisgianoutsos

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/denisgianoutsos/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leadershipischanging/

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@DenisGianoutsos