Technique 1.223 AI Checklist: Overcoming Resistance to Change
Introduction
Answer the questions below by circling ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ and if unsure, circle both, ie ‘Yes/No’.
The more ‘Yes’ answers, the better you are prepared for AI; ‘No’ answers highlight areas for improvement.
If necessary, provide comments with your answer.
Questions/statements to consider
1. Have You Prepared the Environment?
- Conducted a readiness assessment (culture, history of past changes, structural blockers). (Yes/No)
Comments: ______________________________________________
- Identified potential sources of resistance (individual, team, organisational). (Yes/No)
Comments: ______________________________________________
- Clarified the purpose and benefits of the change. (Yes/No)
Comments: ______________________________________________
- Secured visible commitment from senior leadership. (Yes/No)
Comments: ______________________________________________
2. Have You Communicate Early and Clearly?
- Explainedwhy the change is happening and what problem it solves. (Yes/No)
Comments: ______________________________________________
- Outlined expected impacts on roles, workflows, and workload. (Yes/No)
Comments: ______________________________________________
- Provided regular, consistent updates through multiple channels. (Yes/No)
Comments: ______________________________________________
- Invited questions and provide honest answers. (Yes/No)
Comments: ______________________________________________
- Repeated the message until it is understood. (Yes/No)
Comments: ______________________________________________
3.Have You Involve Employees?
- Engaged staff in planning and decision-making where possible. (Yes/No)
Comments: ______________________________________________
- Consulted widely — workshops, feedback sessions, pulse surveys. (Yes/No)
Comments: ______________________________________________
- Asked for suggestions to improve the change plan. (Yes/No)
Comments: ______________________________________________
- Given employees a sense of control and contribution. (Yes/No)
Comments: ______________________________________________
4. Have You Built Capability?
- Identified skills and knowledge gaps created by the change. (Yes/No)
Comments: ______________________________________________
- Provided targeted training and practice opportunities. (Yes/No)
Comments: ______________________________________________
- Assigned change champions or agents for local support. (Yes/No)
Comments: ______________________________________________
- Offered coaching for individuals struggling with confidence. (Yes/No)
Comments: ______________________________________________
5. Have You Supported People Emotionally?
- Acknowledged fears openly (job loss, competence, uncertainty). (Yes/No)
Comments: ______________________________________________
- Normalised discomfort and provided psychological safety. (Yes/No)
Comments: ______________________________________________
- Created space for dialogue — not just broadcast communication. (Yes/No)
Comments: ______________________________________________
- Recognised early signs of withdrawal, frustration or stress. (Yes/No)
Comments: ______________________________________________
6. Have You Adjusted Structures and Processes?
- Ensured policies, systems and workflows align with the new direction. (Yes/No)
Comments: ______________________________________________
- Removed outdated procedures that reinforce the “old way.” (Yes/No)
Comments: ______________________________________________
- Provided resources (time, tools, staffing) to make adoption realistic. (Yes/No)
Comments: ______________________________________________
- Monitored for bottlenecks or unintended consequences. (Yes/No)
Comments: ______________________________________________
7. Have You Demonstrated Leadership?
- Leaders have modelled the desired behaviours consistently. (Yes/No)
Comments: ______________________________________________
- Leaders have been accessible and actively present during the transition. (Yes/No)
Comments: ______________________________________________
- Leaders have reinforced change with actions — not just words. (Yes/No)
Comments: ______________________________________________
- Leaders have responded quickly to resistance with empathy and clarity. (Yes/No)
Comments: ______________________________________________
8. Has the Change been Reinforced and Sustained?
- Celebrated early wins and highlight progress. (Yes/No)
Comments: ______________________________________________
- Provided continuous training and knowledge-sharing. (Yes/No)
Comments: ______________________________________________
- Embedded new behaviours into performance expectations. (Yes/No)
Comments: ______________________________________________
- Reviewed and refined the change based on feedback. (Yes/No)
Comments: ______________________________________________
- Tracked metrics to ensure adoption and improvement. (Yes/No)
Comments: ______________________________________________
(main source: Kamal Naghili, 2025)