Some Emotions Mapped to the Stages of the Change Curve
Introduction
The Change Curve (inspired by the Kubler-Ross transition model, adapted for organisational change) involves denial to resistance to exploration to commitment; it allows leaders to anticipate what emotions are most likely at each stage?
The table below shows what emotions are most common at each stage; what they mean and how leaders should respond.
Emotions as Data Across the Change Curve
|
Stage of Change Curve |
Common Emotions (Data) |
What It Signals |
Leader Response / Action |
|
1. Denial (initial shock) |
Confusion, Disbelief, Detachment |
People don’t see the need or think change won’t affect them. |
Communicate the why with urgency; share evidence and context; provide space for questions; repeat messages consistently. |
|
2. Resistance (pushback) |
Fear, Anxiety, Anger, Frustration, Sadness |
People perceive loss (status, identity, routines) or lack of control. |
Acknowledge emotions openly; normalise them; create safe spaces for dialogue; address job security concerns; involve people in shaping solutions. |
|
3. Exploration (testing the new reality) |
Curiosity, Scepticism, Overwhelm, Tentative Hope |
People start experimenting but feel uncertain; balancing old and new ways is stressful. |
Provide training, coaching, and “sandbox” environments; prioritise workloads; celebrate small wins; encourage peer-to-peer learning. |
|
4. Commitment (buy-in and adoption) |
Excitement, Pride, Confidence, Optimism |
People see benefits, feel competent and start owning the change. |
Reinforce success stories; connect personal achievements to organisational vision; recognise and reward contributors; embed new habits into culture. |
Key Insights for Leaders:
- Emotions follow a predictable arc during change.
- By listening to emotions as data, you can anticipate what stage your people are in and apply the right intervention at the right time.
- This shifts the mindset from “managing resistance” to “supporting emotional transitions”.
(main source: Michelle Gibbings, 2025g)