I propose to explore how change can create conflict and how conflict requires change. Human brains are hardwired to resist change. The evolution of neuroscience has revealed this, leading to many fascinating insights into the biological and neurological causes of human behavior and dynamics that can cause change and lead to conflict. Our brains are designed to favor stability and familiarity. Yet change is often met with resistance, and neuroscience reveals the reasons behind instinctual and automatic reactions that can trigger conflict. It offers a vital starting point when a change initiative is launched to understand why change can be challenging and hinder adaptation and innovation.

After a brief presentation on the neuroscience of change, I’ll introduce a systems-based approach where people impacted by a change can participate in formulating the direction. First, we’ll look at stakeholder mapping using the power/influence-interest matrix, which offers a way to address or even prevent conflict that could arise. It identifies stakeholders in terms of their power and influence over the change compared to their actual interest in making it happen. Using a case scenario, participants will be in small groups to map out stakeholders in the matrix. After that, using the same scenario, I’ll introduce a process of facilitated dialogue based on a mediation methodology, which involves storytelling so everyone has an opportunity to speak and be validated while everyone else actively listens. After that, the group collaborates to develop solutions to resolve the issue. We’ll use a fishbowl format to play that out. At the end, I’ll ask everyone to develop a personal action plan about how they can use the approaches I’ve presented in their work, and share it in a speed pairing activity so we end on an energetic and actionable way forward.

Takeaways:

Understand the neuroscience of change and how it's a leveler for humanity Explore the dynamics of power, influence and interest during change Learn a facilitated dialogue process based on mediation methodology Develop a personal action plan for applying the approaches to their own work