The main impact that is common place in all change is that change brings on stress. The stress can be positive stress or it can be negative stress. That decision lies with the individual who is experiencing the change/stress. It is important to keep the stress in a positive light by thinking of oneself as a “trailblazer of change” and not as a “victim of change”. There are steps that can be taken to proactively prepare for change and the mindset needed to successfully process the endeavor.
Here are some steps to take toward being a trailblazer of change instead of a victim:
- List the changes that are currently occurring in your environment.
- Understand the stages and dynamics of change that everyone goes through and that are normal and necessary when dealing with change:
- Flood of Emotions
- Shock and Denial
- Bargaining
- Feeling of Loss
- Acceptance (Intellectual and Emotional)
- Ask (and answer) some important questions of yourself and your team related to the change:
What needs the most immediate attention?
In which stage are you now?
In which stage are your colleagues?
Are you stuck in a stage?
What are some ways communication could be increased on your team?
Does the change depend upon someone outside your team?
How can we get the support we need?
Change will be easier to deal with and triumph over by understanding the dynamics and stages of change AND by understanding that it is normal and necessary to go through these stages. Time spent in each stage will vary and the stages will occur in varying sequence, but it is important to be proactive and understand it in order to be a “trailblazer of change”
Next Week: “The Stages and Dynamics of Change”
