The Hardest Bias to Break: Internal Barriers to Change
Our Workforce Webinar Series continues with a timely conversation focused on a challenge many workforce organizations face — not just navigating external systems, but addressing the internal dynamics that shape how teams work, communicate, and adapt.
This session explores how WorkHawaiʻi is identifying and reducing internal barriers to innovation and equity through intentional communication, collaboration, and staff voice.
What This Session Covers
1. Understanding the Internal Challenge
While workforce programs often concentrate on systems or policy barriers, internal dynamics can quietly slow progress — from shifting priorities to role changes and resistance that stems from uncertainty rather than opposition.
Bias doesn’t only impact participants; it can influence how ideas are heard, how decisions are made, and whose perspectives guide change within a team.
2. WorkHawaiʻi’s Reflection Moment
Following the Extra Popsicle Sticks webinar, WorkHawaiʻi recognized that some of the most significant barriers were emerging inside the organization — prompting a pause to align before advancing.
Key reflections included:
varying comfort levels with change
communication gaps across programs
different interpretations of “customer-centered” work
3. Strategies WorkHawaiʻi Implemented
Peer Sharing & Staff Voice
Monthly peer-sharing sessions across programs
Staff-led topics to elevate front-line expertise
Space for learning, connection, and collective problem-solving
Clarity With Customers = Confidence for Staff
Clear expectations shared upfront with participants
Reduced frustration on both sides
Strengthened mutual accountability and staff professionalism
Communication Loops & Leadership Modeling
Leaders practiced transparency and vulnerability
Two-way information flow was formalized
Improvement positioned as a shared responsibility
Why This Matters
WorkHawaiʻi’s approach demonstrates that when organizations look inward — strengthening communication, clarifying expectations, and elevating staff voice — teams become more aligned and more confident in their purpose. This internal grounding not only supports change—it leads to more authentic, consistent service for the communities they serve.
📅 Date: Thursday, December 11th, 2025
🕙 Time: 11:00 am - 12:00 pm HST
📍 Location: Virtual – Zoom
About our Session Presenter:
Leina’ala H. Nakamura, with 30 years of professional experience in planning and overseeing workforce development and housing assistance programs, serves as the Administrator of the City and County of Honolulu’s WorkHawaii Division. In addition, she shares her expertise as a Social Work Field Instructor at the University of Hawaii, Hawaii Pacific University, and Arizona State University.
