03/11/2025
10 Powerful Lessons from How To Lead People Through Change by Chris Ohlson
I remember as a child thinking that change was magical—moving to a new school, learning a new game, or watching the seasons shift. Everything felt alive, unpredictable, and full of possibility. As adults, change often feels heavy, risky, or even threatening. How To Lead People Through Change reignites that childhood sense of wonder, but through the lens of leadership. Chris Ohlson takes what feels intimidating and turns it into an opportunity to guide, inspire, and transform not just yourself, but the people around you.
The book is a blend of practical advice, real-world case studies, and thoughtful reflections. Ohlson doesn’t just tell you what to do; he shows you, illustrating each principle with leaders who faced real challenges and navigated them successfully. From managing organizational change to communicating a clear vision, building trust, and motivating teams, this book turns complex leadership dilemmas into actionable insights.
Key Lessons from How To Lead People Through Change:
1. Embrace Change as Opportunity
Ohlson reminds us that change isn’t just disruption—it’s a chance to innovate and grow. Leaders who lean into change inspire their teams to see possibility, not fear.
2. Communicate Clearly and Often
In times of transition, silence breeds uncertainty. Sharing your vision with honesty, clarity, and empathy helps people feel secure even when the path ahead is uncertain.
3. Build Trust Before It’s Tested
Trust isn’t given—it’s earned over time. The book emphasizes that leaders must cultivate credibility and reliability so that when change comes, their teams follow willingly.
4. Listen More Than You Speak
Real leadership is as much about hearing concerns as giving directions. Ohlson demonstrates how actively listening helps uncover hidden issues and builds loyalty.
5. Motivate Through Purpose, Not Pressure
People respond to meaning, not fear. The book encourages leaders to show how changes connect to a greater mission, giving teams a reason to move forward with energy.
6. Prepare for Resistance
Change will always encounter pushback. Learning to anticipate, understand, and respond to resistance is a hallmark of effective leadership.
7. Lead by Example
Actions speak louder than words. Leaders who embody the behaviors they expect inspire their teams more than any memo or meeting ever could.
8. Celebrate Progress Along the Way
Even small victories matter. Recognizing progress keeps morale high and reinforces the behaviors needed for long-term success.
Ohlson’s How To Lead People Through Change is more than a guide to navigating transitions—it’s a love letter to human potential. The book reminds us that leadership is about connection, clarity, and courage, and that guiding others through change can be as exhilarating as it is challenging. By the final page, you feel equipped to face uncertainty not with hesitation, but with curiosity, confidence, and a sense of purpose. It doesn’t just teach leadership; it makes the world feel alive with possibility.
Book: https://www.lulu.com/shop/chris-ohlson/how-to-lead-people-through-change/ebook/product-q6kn5ze.html?q=How+to+lead+people+through+change+&page=1&pageSize=4
