Tag: alignment

Resistance: a Catalyst for Change

Resistance: what is it exactly?

To establish a shared language, let’s begin with the etymology of the word:

resistance (n.)

mid-14c., resistence, “moral or political opposition;” late 14c., “military or armed physical opposition by force; difficulty, trouble,” from Old French resistance, earlier resistence, and directly from Medieval Latin resistentia, from present-participle stem of Latin resistere “make a stand against, oppose” (see resist).

I’m also big on reframing. When I encounter a word or a statement, I try to find a way into them that holds meaning based on my social context and life’s experiences.

How is this definition landing for you?

Exploring resistance to AI began after feeling flattened by applications constantly humming in the background—whether on Amazon, a chatbot, or Netflix—offering narrow recommendations based on past behaviors, missing a new truism or change in the current moment.

Also I’ve been strongly encouraged to use ChatGPT to copywrite LinkedIn posts, which left me feeling some kinda way and, frankly, scoffing at the idea.

So why this resistance, Novelette? Isn’t AI supposed to make my life easier, more efficient; give me back time? I wouldn’t have to labor over a document that ChatGPT can produce in minutes.

I am less worried about potential job loss due to AI because I believe humans will always bring unique decision-making, creativity, empathy, and emotional intelligence to their work—qualities essential for building genuine connections and igniting innovations. And isn’t that what most of us are saying we want more of—feeling and being more connected and purpose-driven in our professional lives?

Yet, my main concern lies with the amplified biases and perpetuated stereotypes built into AI applications. That is where most of my resistance rests.

Tina Byles Williams writes every new technology has been met with suspicion and resistance because major technological change can amplify anxieties and the fear of loss or change. This resistance coexists with the alarms raised by the very creators of AI.

I see resistance as a signal, a call to pay attention to the dissonance felt deep within, not merely filtered through dogma. I frame this exploration around three Ps:

  • Not personal: We all experience resistance; it is neither inherently good nor bad, but can signal an adaptation process when we become aware of it.
  • Not permanent: With closer attention, we may experience a shift, from automatic default behaviors to an intentional, deliberative approach.
  • Not perfect: Given the uncertainties of human existence, resistance reminds us to adapt as we navigate changing tides.

Much is being published about AI. Courses are offered by leading higher education institutions, and the top workforce trend is the increased use of AI. Ensuring that human values align with AI will be critical. Yet, since we are not monolithic, who decides what alignment means? That question further complicates how AI technology prioritizes humanity’s well-being and values.

Most of us have experienced resistance on a personal and social level, leaving us trembling when we cling too tightly or lash out to defend and protect. In those moments, might we approach this resistance with cool heads and warm hearts—with curiosity—to ensure the well-being of all, not just the few.

Resources read that informed the content of this blog:

  • Unmasking AI
  • Generative AI: Hope, Hubris, or Harrowing?
  • These Women Tried to Warn Us About AI
  • Introducing ChatGPT
  • Burnout From Humans: A Little book about AI that is not really about AI
  • Why People Resist Embracing AI
  • Workplace Intelligence Forecast for 2025: The 10 Trends Businesses Need to Focus On
  • The ways in which resistance is discussed
  • Understanding and Working with Resistance

Source of Inspiration

What I'll be reading

The past month has been rich in reading. I’ve enjoyed several books and even attended a forum where Marlon James discussed his process for writing The Book of Night Women—what a treat! Reading remains one of my greatest joys, expanding my understanding and deepening my capacity to embrace diverse perspectives. 

Here are four books on my shortlist for February.

 

Let’s inspire one another as we turn the pages in 2025. What books are on your shortlist?

Song that inspires

Reflection

Joy Buolamwini posed a thought-provoking question in her book Unmasking AI, which I invite us to reflect on: “In the age of AI, who will decide what our priorities are?” Building on this, how are your priorities—whether in health care, your professional life, social issues, housing, or elsewhere—being shaped by AI?

Community

I appreciate you sharing your aspirations for 2025:

While I Still Have Your Attention

Thank you for reading BETA’s Blog. I hope the content sparked new thoughts about how resistance can signal dissonance and remind us of our shared responsibility to prioritize our collective well-being.

Well-being is both subjective and universally desired—it’s about how we function personally and socially, and how we evaluate our lives as a whole.

If you like the newsletter, please share it with your friends and family. And if you haven’t subscribed yet, I’d love to have you join our distribution list (which is never shared).

Let’s connect on social, too! You can find me on LinkedIn. 

Thank You! 

What You Need is Not Simply Their Hands

When an organization views its purpose as a commitment they are working toward, its impact can be far-reaching both internally and externally. A successful implementation process requires a purpose-based business strategy where the proposed shared values are made explicit.

An organization’s purpose statement clearly demonstrates what it stands for. It should not be a branding exercise, nor should it be intended to capture more market share. It is about the direction that orients an entire community of people toward an aspired future by undertaking a period of authentic discovery modeled on the organization’s values.

Employees need to understand what the company’s purpose means for them and how it connects with the business strategy. They need to explain it in their own words without changing the meaning. When employees feel integral to this experience, there is alignment with the organization’s purpose. If not, they will experience heightened stress or other well-being concerns and likely leave the organization.

Leaders who demonstrate curiosity to listen.

Organizations that have a deep sense of purpose and have achieved alignment with their employees’ purpose have a more engaged workforce that is whole-heartedly and fully involved.

❝ [Organizations] are truly made up of people.
So, if you want people to be fully engaged, really committed
… what you need is not simply their hands …
… but their head, heart, and hands …
It takes a commitment, usually to a shared mission and this thought
of a compelling vision that they’re looking toward.❞  ~ Shundrawn

Without good communication and implementation, an organization’s purpose will ring hollow. Communication is vital, linking the organization’s internal identity, actions, and stakeholders to its external identity, actions, and stakeholders.  Listening for actual or potential value alignment with colleagues allows them to feel seen and heard, which are different skills than those required for a tactical or strategic meeting.

Creating a safe enough space for colleagues to speak up and reinforce the organization’s values is key. Building these psychologically safe teams goes hand in hand with creating positive, ethical, and purposeful environments. As leaders, understanding what your colleagues are really all about is key to curating a purpose-driven organization that effectively engages all employees.

Coleman states, “corporate purpose is deeply connected to the ability of individuals to achieve greater meaning and engagement in the organizations in which they work. And for leaders who care about the well-being of their employees, and individuals who want to thrive at work, there is little more important than that.”

The happy-side benefit of aligned purpose is a flourishing, engaged workforce that knows what their organization stands for and supports it.  This is deeper than the messages listed on your website. It means prioritizing and following through with practices that willfully interrogate the actions and behaviors which support the stated values and tweaks flawed or outdated practices that no longer serve the organization. Purpose makes a difference in companies only when it changes how people operate.

How is your organization living its purpose?

I recently learned about Tony’s Chocolonely vision and was moved by its commitment to producing 100% exploitation-free chocolate. While your organization might not be in the chocolate business, its purpose can be equally dynamic, guiding internal and external stakeholders’ daily actions. This example is provided for your consideration as your think about your purpose statement.


This is a beautiful meditative read that I will revisit many times! Rick Rubin shares 78 thoughts in The Creative Act: A way of being, stating that being creative is a fundamental aspect of being human. We exist in a creative universe. A mysterious realm beyond our understanding in a society that wants to make meaning out of everything.

Being in the world and appreciating the wisdom of nature when it is noticed, awakens our creative nature. Our creative energy. Rubin inspires the reader to lean into their awareness of the multiple options available to them and become attuned to their intuitive knowing.

At the onset of the book, he states that nothing written here is known to be true … and each of the thoughts shared is an invitation for further inquiry, a zooming out or in for a new way of being. To create is about playing to play. It is about innovating and self-expression. 

How are you creating an environment where you’re free to express what you’re afraid to create?

Book A Discovery Session

A discovery session is largely influenced by a kaizen process, a philosophy based on the concept that change for the better is fostered through small modifications that create improvements. The session is centered on learning about one another, including your values, goals, and processes. 

The discussion will help determine our chemistry match and how collaborating will add value for you. There will be an opportunity to understand your needs and what is top of mind for you, especially what it is that you wish to improve upon. This is an opportunity for us to co-create a win-win partnership.

Some discovery session questions are:

  • What is your biggest challenge as it relates to ______?
  • How are you feeling about this challenge? 
  • What about solving the challenge is most important to you? 
  • How will you benefit from finding a solution to this challenge?

To schedule your no-obligation appointment, email novelette@betacoachingconsulting.com or visit our calendar to book an available time.

Linkedin Youtube
© 2025 BETA Coaching & Consulting. All rights reserved. Unauthorized use or distribution of this material is prohibited. For more information, contact novelette@betacoachingconsulting.com