New Book Helps Leaders Navigate Change

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Jim Maddox

Jim Maddox, a teaching assistant professor and graduate program coordinator in the University of Arkansas Human Resource and Workforce Development program, has written a new book to help organizations navigate change in a way that values the people who work there.

"Early in my career as a consultant in organization development, I felt like something was missing in facilitating organizational change efforts," he said. "I noticed instances where healthy resistance could have been encouraged and leveraged. Likewise, there were missed opportunities to avoid unhealthy resistance."

That insight led him to develop the "Change Resistance Paradox Model." He spent the last three decades refining the model while consulting, conducting research and teaching. It's at the core of his book, "Embracing Resistance to Change: Facilitating Change Differently Through the Paradox of Resistance." Maddox wrote the book for leaders, change agents, and organization development practitioners who embrace positive approaches to guiding organizational change. 

The book provides checklists for organizations in the throes of managing change and is packed with inspiring stories and examples.

Maddox said leaders should openly encourage contrary opinions and create a positive space where people feel comfortable sharing them. "By seeking resistance, the energy around it can be leveraged, and a positive culture can be nurtured," he wrote.

"Facilitating change differently through the paradox of resistance is a concept that can ultimately be applied not only to organizations but to ourselves and our communities," Maddox said.

In 2020, Maddox launched a podcast that also centers around the broad topic of change. Chatting About Change with Dr. Jim Maddox is currently on episode 43.

"I started the podcast as a way to share useful content with my students and to engage in intellectual conversations with professionals around a topic I am passionate about," he said. "The podcast also provides my students with exposure to a range of professionals to add to their LinkedIn networks."

About the Human Resource and Workforce Development Program: The Human Resource and Workforce Development program, offered online, prepares graduate and undergraduate students of all ages and backgrounds for various careers. Offering small class sizes, a diverse student body and low student-faculty ratios, the programs offer tight-knit, high-energy learning in a student-centered environment. Students have numerous opportunities for hands-on technical, research and professional experience in a variety of community settings. Faculty members serve as resources long after students graduate.