Overcoming resistance to change - tools & techniques

Change is an integral part of development—but also one of its most difficult stages. Even when we consciously strive for progress, resistance to change often arises: fear of the unknown, loss of control, or failure. In mentoring and coaching, working with this resistance is crucial, as it allows the mentee to understand the sources of fear, regain a sense of agency, and transform uncertainty into energy for action. It's a process in which empathy, trust, and good questions can open the door to true transformation.

In this category, you'll find mentoring and coaching techniques that help recognize, embrace, and overcome resistance to change. These tools support reflection, working with emotions, and finding new ways to respond to challenges. Thanks to them, the mentee can gradually build greater openness to change, self-confidence, and flexibility in decision-making.

If you want to better understand how to deal with challenges in the mentoring process, read the article "Challenges of mentoring programs from the perspective of mentors, mentees and organizers" . It is also worth taking a look at the text "Mentoring as an answer to difficulties in hiring talent and an aging society" , which shows how openness to change and cooperation between generations support adaptation in the work environment.

The following techniques will help you understand resistance mechanisms, work with them constructively, and transform them into readiness for action. These tools support courage, flexibility, and a conscious approach to change—key elements of personal and professional development.

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Cartesian model of change

Overcoming resistance to change Analyzing and drawing conclusions Decision-making Broadening perspectives Stimulating creativity Searching for new solutions Getting out of a stuck situation

technique useful for systematizing and organizing thoughts and deepening self-awareness. Useful when feeling stuck and unable to make a decision.

#making a decision

#decision

#action

#analysis

#systematization

#making sure

#broadening the perspective

#resistance

#overcoming resistance

#drawing conclusions

Description of the technique

Changing habits

Motivating to act Overcoming resistance to change Broadening perspectives Searching for new solutions Getting out of a stuck situation

This technique aims to develop new habits. It can also be useful in preparing a person for an important event.

#habits

#neurobiology

#neuroplasticity

#new patterns

#change

#transformation

#new habits

#supportive habits

Description of the technique

Practical steps - I can-I want-I will scheme

Motivating to act Overcoming resistance to change Achieving a specific goal Setting priorities Systematizing and organizing Taking responsibility for actions

This technique motivates people to take responsibility for their actions. Its use can broaden perspectives, generate new options, and anchor a person in action.

#new ideas

#new solutions

#broadening perspective

#action

#encouragement to action

#motivation

#new options

#overcoming resistance

#achieving goals

#priorities

Description of the technique

5-Option Technique - Overcoming Obstacles

Overcoming resistance to change Achieving a specific goal Setting priorities Making decisions Taking responsibility for actions Broadening perspectives Stimulating creativity Searching for new solutions Getting out of a stuck situation

The 5-Option Technique is a useful tool when the person we're working with encounters numerous obstacles on the way to achieving their goal. It's also useful when the person we're working with is stuck and unable to find a solution. It helps stimulate creativity and find as many possible solutions to the problem as possible.

#creativity

#broadening perspective

#new solution

#new options

#options

#problem solving

#reassurance

#decision-making

#obstacles

#blockages

#resistance

#overcoming resistance

Description of the technique

3-D technique

Overcoming resistance to change Achieving a specific goal Analyzing and drawing conclusions Setting priorities Systematizing and organizing Making decisions Taking responsibility for actions

The 3D technique is a good tool to work with in situations where there is a need to quickly and effectively focus on developing potential solutions to a given problem/issue and, in the next phase, taking responsibility for their implementation.

#concentration

#systematization

#ordering

#analysis

#drawing conclusions

#broadening perspective

#action

#responsibility

#taking responsibility

#obstacles

#options

#resistance

#overcoming resistance

Description of the technique

HELP technique

Overcoming resistance to change Analyzing and drawing conclusions Setting priorities Systematizing and organizing Making decisions Taking responsibility for actions Getting out of a stuck situation Focusing on potentials

HELP is an acronym for:
H – what Happend (What happened?)
E – Emotions (What emotions accompanied it?)
L – Learning (What is the lesson learned?)
P – Plan (What is the plan of action?)

This is a questioning technique that will work in a work situation with a person who is distracted, has difficulty determining the essence of the problem, and is unsure of what to do in a given situation.

#concentration

#systematization

#organizing

#analysis

#drawing conclusions

#broadening perspective

#action

#science

#development

#emotions

#learning

#plan

#action plan

Description of the technique

Jelly Baby Tree

Improving self-confidence Improving engagement in the mentoring program Motivation to act Overcoming resistance to change Achieving a specific goal Setting priorities Decision-making Broadening perspective Stimulating creativity Getting out of a stuck situation

Drzewjo Jelly Baby is a simple tool that allows you to focus on a rational discussion of a given issue. It can be used in various contexts and address many areas, such as conflict management, transitioning through change, and facing challenges. Using this tool unleashes creativity and allows a person to view a given situation with clarity and transparency.

#conflict

#conflict resolution

#change

#going through change

#challenge

#creativity

#stimulating creativity

#new ideas

#new options

#development

#action

#motivation

Description of the technique