Many talk about change with negative language
There’s the old adage: “No one likes change.”
It’s often said with a shrug, as if resistance and toil and pain is inevitable.
Rubbish.
What if part of the problem is begun right there, with the language we use to talk about it? We constantly, quickly and consistently frame change as a threat:
“Change is hard.”
“People resist change.”
“We need to manage the fallout.”
“Brace yourself for the change.”
“This will shake things up.”
These phrases prime us to expect difficulty, danger, discomfort. They trigger a threat response - anxiety, defensiveness, and a desire to cling to the familiar.
When so many of us approach change with this kind of framing, it’s no wonder enthusiasm is rare. Even before the first step is taken, the emotional tone is set: this will be painful.
And that tone is contagious. It spreads through meetings, emails, and informal conversations, shaping the collective mindset. Change becomes something to survive, not something to embrace.
Even the people who might actually feel quite positive about what is going on, might have their enthusiasm dampened with this sort of talk.
What if we spotted and shifted the language?
“We’re evolving.”
“This is a chance to improve how we work.”
“We’re building something better.”
“This change opens new doors into…..”
“We’re investing in and getting ready for our future.”
This isn’t about sugar-coating reality. Change can be hard. But the way we talk about it shapes how people experience it. Language can either reinforce fear or unlock curiosity, creativity, and commitment.
My Role in the Shift
As someone who analyses and delivers transformation, I help to model and influence this shift in language. I help leaders and teams:
Recognize the emotional impact of how they talk about change
Use language that builds confidence in change, not anxiety
Create narratives that inspire action, not avoidance