Why We Do What We Do

chapter nineOur Brain and Change

‘Progress is impossible without change and those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything.’

GEORGE BERNARD SHAWPlaywright and socialist (1856–1950)

ABOUT THIS CHAPTER

The world is changing faster than ever. New is everywhere: new technologies, new devices, new possibilities, new demands – effectively new ways of living, learning and working.

But most of us do not like change. We find comfort in routines, habits and what feels familiar. Even the changes that we choose for ourselves pose some difficulty and need readjustment. Although most of us accept that competitive advantage depends on our ability to adapt quickly, change is not a phenomenon that we readily embrace.

This chapter considers what change means both for individuals and for organisations. It offers insights into how habits are formed and changed, what is needed to help people manage change in themselves and others, and why resilience is a vital ingredient in our increasingly turbulent world.

A better understanding of how our brain handles change will help us to handle the unexpected and unpredictable around us.

Part 1: The science explained

Change is painful for the brain

We naturally resist change because change represents uncertainty – and uncertainty is threatening and painful for a brain that wants to keep us safe and alive. Although many of today's threats are no longer life-or-death situations, our brain still protects us as if they were just that.