When Change Knocks, Will You Open the Door?

When Change Knocks, Will You Open the Door?

Not long ago, while working out at my new fitness center, I ran into a familiar face from my old gym. His appearance told the story of someone who had faced tough challenges, yet I always made it a point to greet him with kindness. When I saw him again in this new setting, I asked how he was enjoying it. He told me he’d been banned from the previous gym because of how he dressed.

Wanting to encourage him, I bought him some new shoes and apparel. Days later, I was surprised to see him not wearing them. His reason? He simply didn’t like change.

At first, I thought, Really? You haven’t even opened the gift? But then it struck me—he wasn’t ungrateful. He was simply comfortable with where he was, even if others thought he could do better.

Three Points Leaders Can Apply About Change

1. Change Is Uncomfortable, Even When It’s Good
   Organizations often resist change not because the new direction is wrong, but because the old way feels safe. Leaders must acknowledge the discomfort while helping their teams step forward.

2. Change Requires Courage, Not Just Opportunity
   A new policy, tool, or vision is only as effective as the courage people have to embrace it. Leaders must inspire that courage—not just provide the opportunity.

3. Change Unlocks Growth We Can’t Yet See
   On the other side of resistance lies innovation. Just as moving from watercolor to acrylics expanded my creative world, embracing change can open doors to opportunities far greater than we imagine.

The lesson isn’t about shoes or paint—it’s about leadership. Encouragement alone isn’t enough. Growth begins when we model the courage to step in a new direction and invite others to follow.

So here’s the question for you and your organization: When change knocks, will you open the door?