Why Most Leaders Struggle with Change (And How to Do It Better)
If there’s one thing leaders can count on right now, it’s this:
Change isn’t slowing down.
Teams are shifting. Expectations are evolving. Resources feel tighter. And many leaders I talk to aren’t struggling with whether change is happening, they’re struggling with how to lead people through it without losing momentum, culture, or themselves in the process.
Here’s what I’ve learned, both in my own leadership journey and in working with leaders across industries:
Great leaders don’t just go through change.
They grow through it, and they help their people do the same.
So how do you actually do that in a practical way?
Let me give you three simple, actionable places to start.
1. Name It Before You Navigate It
One of the biggest mistakes leaders make during change is avoiding the conversation.
They try to stay positive, move quickly, or assume their team will figure it out.
But what your team really needs is clarity.
They’re already asking:
What’s happening?
How does this impact me?
What does this mean for our future?
If you don’t answer those questions, they will.
And usually, they’ll fill in the blanks with fear.
Try this:
At your next team meeting, start with:
“Here’s what we know, here’s what we don’t know yet, and here’s what we’re committed to figuring out together.”
You don’t need all the answers to be a strong leader.
But you do need to be honest, visible, and willing to go first.
2. Lead with Strengths, Not Stress
Change has a way of exposing pressure points.
People feel stretched, overwhelmed, and unsure of where they fit.
This is where most leaders double down on tasks.
But the best leaders double down on people.
Instead of asking:
“How do we get everything done?”
Ask:
“Who do I have on this team, and what do they naturally do best?”
When you lead through strengths:
Your Achievers create momentum
Your Relators build connection
Your Strategic thinkers create direction
Your Positivity brings energy when it’s needed most
Try this:
Have each team member answer:
“During this season of change, what is one strength you can lean into more, and where do you feel you can add the most value?”
This shifts your team from feeling overwhelmed to feeling useful and empowered.
3. Create Small Wins to Build Big Confidence
Change can feel heavy because it often feels unclear and never-ending.
That’s why progress matters more than perfection.
If your team can’t see movement, they’ll start to lose belief.
But when they can see even small wins, confidence starts to build.
Try this:
At the end of each week, ask:
What moved forward this week?
What did we learn?
Who stepped up?
Celebrate those moments in a real, meaningful way.
Because momentum doesn’t come from waiting until everything is figured out.
It comes from recognizing that you’re already moving forward.
Final Thought: Growth Requires Courage
I’ll be honest with you.
This message is hitting home for me in a big way right now.
Because I’m about to do something that has pushed me outside of my comfort zone in a way I didn’t expect.
I’ll be delivering my very first TEDx talk on May 2nd.
And if I’m being real, I’ve been nervous.
There have been moments where I’ve questioned if I’m ready.
Moments where I’ve felt the pressure to get it perfect.
Moments where it would have been easier to stay where I’m comfortable.
But I’ve also realized something:
If I want to grow, I have to be willing to do hard things.
And that’s no different than what we ask of our teams every single day.
So as you think about the change you’re leading right now, I’ll leave you with this:
Don’t just go through it.
Grow through it.
Because the way you show up in this season won’t just shape results.
It will shape people.
And that is the real impact of leadership.
To Your Growth,
Kelly