Common Challenge: Past Change Experiences Shape Present Resistance
Quick Summary
Every organization has a change history—and it matters more than most realize. This article explores how past transformations influence current attitudes, and how change leaders can acknowledge, learn from, and work with that history using the LaMarsh Managed Change™ Model.
The Challenge
People don’t experience change in a vacuum. If past change efforts were confusing, painful, or unsuccessful, those memories shape how future initiatives are received. Leaders often dismiss this as “resistance,” but it’s really historical context influencing trust and engagement.
Why It Matters
Change fatigue, skepticism, and disengagement aren’t just emotional reactions—they’re data points. Failing to recognize and address the organizational memory of change can erode credibility and stall momentum before you even begin.
The LaMarsh Perspective
The Managed Change™ Model encourages leaders to assess readiness not just in terms of current capacity, but also in terms of past experience. Acknowledging history builds credibility, earns trust, and allows you to mitigate risk more effectively.
How-to Solution
- Surface the Change Backstory
Ask stakeholders: What change efforts have they seen before? What worked? What didn’t? - Name the Patterns
Look for recurring themes—lack of follow-through, poor communication, or leader inconsistency. - Acknowledge the Past Transparently
Let people know you understand where they’re coming from. This shows empathy, not weakness. - Demonstrate What’s Different This Time
Highlight how this change effort will be better planned, better led, and more inclusive. - Build on Lessons Learned
Use historical insights to design smarter strategies—and avoid repeating mistakes.
Pro Tip
Change resistance often has a memory. Address it directly, and you gain powerful leverage.
Wrap-Up & CTA
Understanding the past helps you lead better in the present. Use the LaMarsh Managed Change™ Model to assess and adapt to the historical context of your organization.
👉 Ready to map your change history? Join our next Managed Change Workshop or Contact us for a change readiness session.
