On January 29, 2026, the third and final part of the elective module "Change Management" took place as part of the CAS "Working Environment Nuclear Energy."
🔎 In the morning, psychologist Mirjam Ambühl impressively demonstrated why resistance and conflict are among the greatest challenges in change processes—and why they should not be seen as disruptive factors, but rather as a normal and valuable part of change.
Change often meets with resistance. ⚡This resistance can be active or passive, open or covert. In change management, this is referred to as the "seven barriers to resistance," ranging from mistrust and loss of status to the question of self-efficacy: "What does this change mean for me specifically?" ❓
🪴Successful change therefore requires more than just good concepts. It requires:
· clear and honest communication,
· employee involvement wherever possible,
· space for critical voices and mistakes,
· team orientation and cooperation,
· and, above all, leadership that exemplifies change.
👉 The focus on behavioral change was particularly exciting: New habits are not created through instructions, but through appropriate framework conditions, role models, and a culture that enables learning. Emotions always play a role in this—they are contagious, reinforce each other within the team, and have a significant impact on the success of change.
🔎 In the afternoon, BFH lecturer Andreas Liedtke presented practical methods for tackling change projects in concrete terms—such as the headstand method or collegial case consultation. Both concepts show that good solutions often arise when perspectives are changed and experiences are shared.
📌 Conclusion: Change management, especially in high-reliability organizations (HROs) such as nuclear power plants, is not a one-time project, but a continuous, iterative process. It is crucial that the goal and benefits are clearly defined from the outset and understood and felt by those affected. Empathy is not a "soft skill" but a key leadership and management competence. 🤝🪴
🔎 Further information about CAS:
CAS Working Environment Nuclear Energy | BFH
