Robert Kegan’s book “Immunity to Change” examines the idea of personal immunity to change and how it affects our everyday behavior. The book is an investigative look into the theories and methods of change in one’s life and in their professional or personal situations. In this book, Kegan and his co-author Lisa Laskow Lahey introduce a revolutionary concept called the “immunity map.” This map is a way of understanding and breaking down our own internal psychological barriers and understanding the real story behind why certain changes are not possible for us.
Kegan’s book shows us that our internal blockages to change can be identified, monitored, and prevented. He teaches us how to free ourselves from the invisible barriers that stand in the way of our desired goals. He claims that immunity to change is a result of our unconscious behavior, thinking, and feeling. Kegan shares three primary diagnoses related to the ways we become unconsciously stuck in the same behaviors and how to work towards breaking down our self-sabotaging routines.
The first diagnosis Kegan includes is a group of defense systems. These defense systems serve as a way of externalizing our own issues and rationalizing them away. For example, when someone is confronted with a potential change they may become defensive and start to play the victim or blame others instead of facing their own issues. The second diagnosis that Kegan examines is an organizational defense system. This system is based on the idea that our internal environment is organized in a certain way and that certain changes could disrupt this internal organization. The last diagnosis that Kegan outlines is the personal defense system. This system is based on personal beliefs and values, which can be incredibly hard to break and are at the root of our unconscious imbalances.
Kegan begins by breaking down the cycle of change that occurs in our lives. He argues that all change requires three steps: awareness of the issue, intention to work on the issue, and consistent behavior in order to bring about the desired change. He then moves on to the strategies that are needed to break these psychological barriers. He encourages us to take an honest look at ourselves and identify any potential issues that could be standing in the way of positive change. For example, if you want to make a career change, think about why it is hard to do it and what would be the potential consequences if you do.
Kegan then delves into the concept of “personal models of the world” - our unique understanding of how the world works and how we are a part of it. This can have profound effects on our resistance towards change, because we can become so rooted in our worldview and be unable to see outside of it. Through this book, Kegan shows us how we can use the immunity map to explore and break down our beliefs and values, so we can move forward with desired changes.
Through this book, Robert Kegan gives readers new insights into the complicated and often hidden psychological blocks that impede our progress and impede our change. His research into the effects of psychological immunity to change has opened up new possibilities for us on our journeys to self-discovery and self-improvement. By using his theoretical and practical methods, readers can take control of their lives and begin to make the positive changes they desire. “Immunity to Change” is a must-read for anyone looking to make authentically lasting change in their lives.
