immunity to change -noticing resistance in language

Individuals, groups, and nations may exhibit an "immunity to change," maintaining the status quo, identified through language patterns.

Kegan and Lahey's “immunity to change” research suggests:

• Shift from a language of compliance to a language of commitment.

• Move from a language of blame to a language of personal responsibility.

• Transition from a language of big assumptions that control us to a language of assumptions we control.

Examples:

• Changing from "There is nothing to be done about plastic waste" to "I am committed to reducing and educating about plastic waste."

• Shifting from "She is ignorant and doesn't want to know" to "I want to express my feelings to her."

• Altering from "Most people are driven by short-term gains" to "I believe that people can... Does this reflect reality?"

Self-inquiry questions:

• What changes do I need or want to make?

• What am I doing or not doing that hinders these changes?

• What anxieties and big assumptions are implied by my actions or inactions?

• How can I challenge these big assumptions to overcome my immunity to change and enable new learning and transformation.