HOW DO WE RESPOND PHYSICALLY? A series of physiological changes are triggered:

The threat response is draining and often all-consuming. It diverts mental resources to the emotion center of the brain: the amygdala. In a response known as amygdala hijack, the brain prioritizes the processing of emotions at the expense of more rational functions such as problem- solving, creative thinking, and the ability to process new information and ideas the functions needed to engage with change.

Ultimately, it can become impossible to focus on anything other than the short-term goal of self-preservation.

How likely is it that organizational change will initiate a threat response?