How can organisations navigate constant change while maintaining performance, engagement and momentum? This was the focus of a recent webinar exploring the findings of the Insights Global Change Readiness Report 2026.
HPC Head of Research, Justin Kinnear, joined fellow panellists Lyse McKenna, Rob McKenna and Tanya Boyd to discuss what separates organisations that simply manage change from those that are truly prepared for it.
Click here for a recording of the Webinar >>>
A central theme of the report was that organisations are experiencing significant change more frequently than ever. However, experience alone does not create readiness. While many organisations have become accustomed to navigating transformation, restructuring, technology adoption and AI-driven change, the research highlighted that many still struggle to maintain productivity and performance throughout the process.
The discussion explored why this happens and what organisations can do differently. Across the findings, one message was clear – successful change depends as much on people and leadership behaviours as it does on plans, processes and communication.
Justin shares his main key takeaways from the discussion:
Experience doesn’t automatically create readiness
One of the most thought-provoking findings from the report challenged a common assumption that organisations become better at change simply by experiencing more of it.
Justin reflected that many organisations believe they are building “change muscle” when, in reality, they may be accumulating “change scar tissue” by moving from one change initiative to the next without pausing to reflect on what they have learned.
The webinar highlighted the importance of intentionally capturing lessons from previous change experiences, helping people anticipate what change will bring, and using those insights to strengthen future readiness. Organisations that prepare more thoroughly not only navigate change more smoothly, but often experience a smaller drop in productivity and performance as people transition from the old way of working to the new.
Make time for self-reflection
The pressure of change can cause leaders to behave differently, often without realising it. Those behavioural shifts can have a significant impact on the people they lead, influencing trust, engagement and confidence throughout a change programme.
Much of this behaviour sits in a leader’s blind spot. Without taking time to reflect and seek feedback, it can be difficult to recognise behaviours that may be helping or hindering others during periods of uncertainty.
The discussion reinforced the importance of creating space for reflection, helping leaders better understand how they are responding to pressure and how their behaviour is experienced by those around them.
Mindset matters
The panel also explored the influence of a leader’s mindset and personal attitude towards change.
If leaders do not genuinely believe in the change they are communicating, they are unlikely to be effective advocates for it. Moving from one major change initiative to another without taking time to understand and make sense of their own role can make it harder to lead with conviction.
Ultimately, this can undermine the confidence, commitment and participation of the very people organisations need to bring with them on the journey.
Stay close to the reality of change
Highlighting the Toyota principle of “Genchi Genbutsu”, which refers to “getting down on the factory floor rather than trying to solve problems from a desk or a boardroom”, Justin stressed the importance of leaders staying close to the reality of what people are experiencing.
Rather than attempting to understand change solely through reports, dashboards or leadership meetings, leaders should remain visible, listen carefully and spend time where the work is happening. Understanding the real challenges, concerns and opportunities experienced by employees helps leaders make better decisions and respond more effectively as change unfolds.
Watch the webinar and download the report
The webinar provides valuable insights for HR leaders, L&D professionals, people managers and anyone responsible for helping their organisation navigate change successfully.
Watch the webinar: Insights Global Change Readiness Webinar
Download the report: Insights Global Change Readiness Report 2026
As Insights’ Lead Partner in Ireland, HPC is committed to helping organisations develop the capabilities, leadership behaviours and self-awareness needed to navigate change successfully.
If you’d like to explore how Insights Discovery could support your people, teams or culture, please contact David Storrs at david.storrs@wearehpc.com.
Justin Kinnear – HPC
Justin is Head of Research at HPC and is at the forefront of creating blended content that is relevant, impactful and in line with the current needs of individuals and teams. Justin undertakes external research and analysis for leading L&D bodies and works in collaboration with our clients to evaluate the impact of HPC’s solutions within their organisations.
His passion for people development and his ability to inspire makes him a key member of HPC’s facilitation and coaching teams. His work with HPC focuses on the development of a high performance culture for our clients with a particular emphasis on accountability and feedback.
As well as his extensive research and facilitation experience, he was formerly Head of L&D at IBM and Britvic.
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