Peer to Peer Magazine

P E E R T O P E E R : I L T A ' S Q U A R T E R L Y M A G A Z I N E | F A L L 2 0 1 8 31 Change is Human Change is no stranger to humanity, and humanity is no stranger to change. Evolutionary theory describes how humanity has changed biologically over eons, and historic periods of popular revolution – social, political, philosophical, technological – have been the fruit born equally by, and unto, humanity. Albeit slow and nearly imperceptible to us (at times), the long arc of history shows that humanity trends toward evolution. Change is a quintessential part of the human experience, and the drive toward change is an inherent part of the human existence. Despite this history, change can be frustrating and difficult for people to navigate. Some people will lead change, others will trail behind, and many will outright resist. This mixed and mottled responsiveness to change is inherently human. Humanity does not generally respond to change in unanimity; our ways of responding to change are as uniquely diverse as we are. This poses a challenge to professionals who drive change in organizations, whether facilitating cultural change management, business process reengineering, or systems implementation. Whether professionals work in human resources, technolo, training, or other departments, change management becomes a significant part of their roles and responsibilities. This is especially true in the legal market, which may be slower to accept change than other industries. Volumes of research and literature are devoted to the topic of change management based upon the premise, and evidentiary reality, that change is hard for human beings, despite history's display of how we perpetually adjust to it. Some changes are harder than others, more sudden than others, more long-lasting than others. While historically there has been resistance to disruptive change, innovators have continued to blaze the trail and humanity has adapted. Auto industry magnate and pioneer Henry Ford designed a new mode of transportation, despite the fact that no one had ever dreamed Stemming the Tide of Change Resistance H O W C O N S T A N T T E C H N O L O G I C A L A D V A N C E M E N T A N D C H A N G E U B I Q U I T Y A R E S H A P I N G H U M A N I T Y ' S C H A N G E T O L E R A N C E B Y N I C K I C . K A S T E L L O R I Z I O S - L E E

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