Want to overcome resistance to change on your team? Start by noticing that the loudest pushback usually isn't the real problem. Hidden resistance often looks like nodding along in the meeting, then quietly sticking to the old way. Expert Tony Chatman explains why change threatens people's sense of identity, how to tell agreement from true buy-in, why the trusted voices on your team matter more than your title, and what AI adoption reveals about the fear of starting over.
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Guest Bio
For over two decades, Tony Chatman has delivered keynotes, training, and coaching that help leaders engineer their way through resistance and deliver results when change can't afford to fail. He has spoken to more than 100,000 leaders and teams in over 100 industries. Tony is a TEDx speaker, a certified speaking professional, the author of The Force Multiplier, and the number one expert on engineering results from resistance.
Conversation Topics
- (00:00) Introduction: Why Resistance to Change Is Inevitable
- (01:14) Why We Resist: Identity, Comfort Zones, and the Military Base Closure Story
- (06:32) Hidden Resistance: Spotting Fake Buy-In and Preparing for Pushback
- (12:54) Opinion Leaders: The Secret to Moving Your Team Through Change
- (18:51) Communicating Through Change: Listen First, Then Show You Heard
- (23:07) Why People Resist AI Adoption and How Leaders Can Respond
- (28:58) Closing: A Great Manager and Where to Find Tony
Keep Up with Tony Chatman
- Website: https://tonychatman.com
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonychatman
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TonyChatman
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/tonychatmanspeaks
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tony.chatman.92
- Facebook (Business): https://www.facebook.com/tonyblueprint
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/TonyChatman
Additional Resources
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What is The Modern Manager?
Practical management skills you can use this week. Host Mamie Kanfer Stewart helps managers close the gap between knowing what good management looks like and actually doing it.
Each week brings either a short solo lesson with one tool you can use right away, or a conversation with an expert on topics like feedback, difficult conversations, delegation, meetings, strategic thinking, team culture, collaboration and using AI at work.
Get new episodes and one-page takeaways by email: https://www.themodernmanager.com