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Session—"Complexity of Conflict and Change?" Change often triggers conflict—and neuroscience explains why. Our brains are wired for stability, making change feel threatening and prompting resistance. This session explores how understanding the brain’s response to change can help OD professionals anticipate and manage conflict. After a brief overview of the neuroscience behind change resistance, participants will engage in hands-on activities using stakeholder mapping and a facilitated dialogue method rooted in mediation. Through small-group work and a fishbowl exercise, we’ll explore how inclusive, systems-based approaches can reduce conflict and foster collaboration during change initiatives. Participants will leave with practical tools and a personal action plan for navigating change more effectively. Presenter: Susan Levin
Susan Levin is the president of Dialogue for Solutions, a global consulting firm dedicated to unlocking human potential and driving meaningful change and concrete organizational outcomes. She is a certified mediator and PCC coach, and also has expertise in facilitation, training, leadership development and change management. She has provided her human-centered approach to strategic planning, strengthening teamwork and envisioning the future in more than 40 countries. Partnering with her clients, she’s mindful that her projects are culturally relevant. She focuses on amplifying individual and organizational strengths to create lasting, impactful results. She teaches at the Columbia University Negotiation and Conflict Resolution graduate program on the complexity of conflict and change management, which includes the study of neuroscience. She’s been honored with a Faculty Excellence Award and is a contributing author to The Insider’s Guide to Supervising Government Employees. Susan holds a master’s degree in International Affairs from George Washington University. |
