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When you make changes to the workplace and how your business operates, expect your employees to feel stress, sadness, anger, worry or anxiety. And even if you initiate the changes, expect that you will feel similar emotions.
Current management theory suggests that the change process is similar to that of grieving, with the individual going through as series of stages:
- Disbelief or denial
- Anger or resistance
- Bargaining or negotiation
- Anger or resistance
- Depression
- Acceptance
When viewed this way, it is easy to see why people want to stay in their comfort zone and resist change.
It is important to understand that one of your responsibilities as a leader is to help your employees embrace the changes the business requires to make it competitive and responsive to the market. If you can help your staff to see change as an opportunity for personal growth, they are much more likely to embrace it.
It is helpful to accept that change is inevitable and you are simply in the space between one situation and another – a transition. If you can accept that you can't always control change, it is easier to "go with the flow". It is also helpful to focus on the big picture as this helps to keep things in perspective.
When faced with change, be optimistic about the outcome but also be realistic about the change process, how long it will take and how you and others will respond to it. Be honest and say what you think, so people know where you stand.
Within the business, don't withdraw from the discussions and/or consultative process that are occurring around the change, even if it means dealing with some hostility from staff members. Setting goals or milestones provide focus and direction. If the changes the business faces include people acquiring new skills, invest in training.
Other useful tips are:
- Don't judge your emotions, even the negative ones
- Call on your support network to remind you of what is important
- Give yourself breaks from the chaos that change is creating
If you find it difficult to be flexible in your life and your work, it is helpful to:
- Practice changing small things through choice
- Try new routines throughout the day
- Monitor your reasons for doing something and challenge them
- When you're fighting a change - do a positive/negative evaluation
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