C-H-A-N-G-E Don’t Cringe, It’s Just a “Six Letter” Word

Last Updated on November 2, 2022 / Training & Development

By Robin Throckmorton, MA, SPHR

“If the rate of change outside exceeds the rate of change on the inside, the end is near” by Jack Welch

In the workplace today, there is so much change taking place, we can’t escape it. But, we have to decide how we are going to handle or cope with each change.

So, what is change really?! Change takes place when something is one way but has to become something different. The problem is the current way usually is more comfortable or believed to be normal. On the other hand, the new way is uncomfortable. But change is unavoidable in today’s work world so we have to find a way to accept the new normal.

Responses to change run the gamut. Think about the last time your computer operating system changed. How did you feel – lost, frustrated, irritated, uncomfortable…But, as you think about it, would you go back to 2 or 3 versions ago? No, for multiple reasons including the newer ones are better and older ones may not even exist anymore.

As you know, change evokes all types of responses – anxiety, fear, irritability, overwhelmed, resentful AND excitement, opportunity, growth, newness, fresh. According to a Change Management program by BLR, there are five defenses to change: deny (if I ignore it, it will go away), blame (it’s management’s fault), delusion (believe it will go back to the way it was), anger (resist and not cooperate), and last defeat (feeling can’t change and give up caring at all).

Knowing these “defenses” you can be more aware of whether or not you are responding defensively. Sometimes, how we view or respond to change sets the stage for how we’ll cope with it. “Is the glass half full or half empty?” Will you respond positive or negative; constructive or destructive; engaging or defensive. So, how can we be sure we respond positively?

“Change before you have to” – Jack Welch

Here are just a few tips to help you through your next change:

– Pay Attention
If you are paying attention, you will notice signs that change is needed and/or going to happen. Even change that literally happens “overnight” has signs it is coming. However, we often get caught up in the situation and intentionally may ignore the signs. If we anticipate a change is going to take place, we can better prepare ourselves.

– Knowledge
When you start noticing the signs, knowledge becomes your power. What do you know about the change? Why is the change happening? What is the goal or purpose of the impending change? What will it look like when it happens? Whether the change is happening or going to happen, seek information to help you understand it. It is far easier to cope with something if you have information, even if it is just a little information.

– Communicate
Everyone exposed to the situation is going through the change and likely having mixed emotions both good and bad. But, some people will be responding positively and others negatively. Share your feelings with others but try not to engage with the “naysayer” who will just bring you down more, hold you back and make others resentful of you. You’ve heard these people – “this will never work” or “we’ve always done it this way.” As you share, you’ll find out you are not alone. And, others are having similar emotions. Together you may be able to identify ways to cope with the change. Use the positive talk to help motivate you and help you see the silver lining.

– Embrace
If you aren’t paying attention to the signs, change may already be in full swing by the time you notice. It is too late to stop it. The more you try the more frustrated you will become to the point of isolation. You have to accept and embrace the change. Make yourself imagine how it will feel once the change becomes the new “normal”. Get involved in the change by finding out how you can help; and, encourage others to accept the change as well through positive talk. Be sure you are helping resolve problems and not avoiding the “new”.

– Coping Skills
During a stressful time, our bodies all respond differently and not always very positive. We can go on an emotional rollercoaster or even impact our eating or sleeping. Some possible coping strategies may include:

  • Exercise – keep doing what you are already doing for exercise. Don’t let the “change” alter your exercise routine. But, if you aren’t exercising, add some form of exercise, even a short walk.
  • Distractions – do something for yourself that gets your mind off of the change for a little bit each day. This will help calm your mind and reduce your stress.
  • Goal Setting – establish goals that will help walk you through the change process so you feel more in control of what is taking place. As you accomplish each goal or step in the process, you’ll be closer to making the change and feel the success of the achievements along the way.
  • Reflect – think about past changes you’ve gone through that you survived and even thrived as a result. What did you do that helped make those situations feel successful?

Change is inevitable so we must find ways to accept change. As mentioned in Managing Transitions: Making the Most of Change by William Bridges, “The only certainty is that between here and there will be a lot of change… There’s no way to avoid it. But you can manage it. You can. And if you want to come through in one piece, you must.”

Robin Throckmorton, MA, SPHR is with Strategic HR (www.strategicHRinc.com). If you have questions or comments about this article, you can contact Robin at Robin@strategicHRinc.com.