August 14, 2026
9 AM – 10:30 AM -Modernwell
Resistance shows up in every change effort, and it rarely responds well to more force. In our December 2025 Lean Coffee, members surfaced resistance as a priority topic, alongside the realities of change saturation and the need to measure what is working. Our recent Community of Practice conversations have built a shared thread: naming the pace and load of change, strengthening how we measure progress, and exploring how leaders sustain momentum. This session continues that series by focusing on what to do when resistance shows up and progress slows.
Join the Change Leadership Community of Practice for a member-driven discussion on working with resistance in real time. This is not a presentation. It’s a peer-led conversation where participants bring practical scenarios, tools, and lessons learned. We will explore how to distinguish between types of resistance, identify what resistance is signaling, and respond in ways that build ownership rather than compliance.
What we’ll explore together
- What resistance typically signals (risk, capacity, trust, clarity, or misalignment)
- Different “flavors” of resistance and why one-size responses fail
- Practical moves for leaders and change practitioners: inquiry, listening, reframing, co-creation, reinforcement
- How to avoid common traps: pushing harder, over-explaining, labeling people as “resistors,” or escalating conflict
- What to measure or watch when resistance is rising (and how to course-correct)
Come ready to contribute Bring one item to share:
- A real scenario where you’re seeing resistance now (or a recent example)
- A tool, question set, practice, or approach that has worked for you
- A lesson learned: what backfired, what you’d do differently, and why
- A resource you recommend (book, podcast, article, person to follow)
Why attend
If you lead, support, or influence change, resistance is not an exception, it’s part of the work. You’ll leave with practical approaches you can apply immediately and perspective from peers across the Twin Cities who are navigating similar dynamics.
Modernwell is a members-only coworking space. We are excited to hold our events in their beautiful space, but can not extend access beyond the event time. Once the event ends, all attendees are expected to depart the building OR they can purchase a day pass at a discounted rate of $30 for the remainder of the day. Please stop by the ModernWell front desk before or after the event to purchase your pass.
This program is FREE for all ATD-GTC members. Members may bring one complimentary, registered guest.
Long-Term Construction Alert: ModernWell
Significant MnDOT construction on I-394 and I-94 is ongoing through late fall 2026. Please allow extra travel time, especially during afternoon rush hours.
Major Impacts Through Mid-Summer 2026
- Penn Avenue Bridge: Closed through November 2026. Use North Wayzata Blvd. or Theodore Wirth Pkwy as a detour.
- Westbound I-394: Reduced to two lanes between downtown Minneapolis and Hwy 100.
- Ramp Closures: The following ramps are closed through mid-summer:
- Westbound I-394 to/from Penn Ave.
- Eastbound I-94 to westbound I-394.
- Lyndale Ave to westbound I-394.
Upcoming Summer/Fall 2026 Shift
Starting in mid-summer, the construction focus will shift:
- Eastbound I-394: Will be reduced to two lanes between Hwy 100 and downtown through the fall.
- Penn Ave. Ramps: The eastbound I-394 ramps to/from Penn Ave. will close from mid-summer through late fall.