Change often gets a bad rap and that’s particularly true when we look at it from an organisation perspective.
Although we all make small changes constantly in our daily lives, when the word ‘change’ is bandied about in a work context, it typically puts the spotlight on really big events like rolling out a new technology solution or a restructure. That focus can feel all-encompassing and overwhelming.
Whatever that change might be, it’ll feel unfamiliar and largely unknown. As a result, it can become a much bigger deal and can get interpreted by our brains as a something we should be scared of.
So, at this point, our responses are more likely to go into threat mode. We get increasingly reactive - fearful and worried about the change and worrying about potential future scenarios. As a result, over time, we can get into the habit of being nervous around change. It feels uncomfortable so alarm bells go off.
To help get more comfortable with change and uncertainty, here are three ideas that may be useful:
Image: Matteo Di Iorio, Unsplash
Work out what’s in our control – and what’s not
When we are facing significant change in or out of a work context, being clear on what is in our control and not can be a massive help.
That can even extend to considering if we’re reacting or responding to change or how we might ‘flip’ the story we’re telling ourselves about what’s happening.
Using Stephen Covey’s Circles of Concern and Influence can be a useful tool to assess what’s really going on and help us regain a feeling of power, especially when we think we might be powerless.
Talk about it with others
For whatever reason, we can often feel that it’s easier to deal with uncertainty and discomfort by working through it on our own. But, I’d gamble on the fact that when you are facing a big change in your organisation, someone else will be feeling very uncomfortable and fearful too.
If you say out loud whatever it is that’s worrying you and share your thoughts with someone else, it will help you find a solution to move forward. I’m confident that you will also hear a sigh of relief from someone else who’s feeling something very similar.
Changing perspective
Big organisational change can feel like a huge deal – it can often set off all sorts of thoughts in our heads that may or may not be true or correct.
But, when you think about it, we’re dealing with change in our lives every day. How many times do you change your mind or get caught in traffic or have to shuffle meetings in your diary? And, many of us have also faced significant changes like bereavement or illness.
Through all these things, we’ve each learned some handy skills that help us survive – and it’s that learning we can often forget when we’re confronted with change in an organisation context.
So, when you next face a situation where you’re telling yourself that change is going to be a big deal or tricky, remember that you’ve dealt with change before – big or small. You have experience and tools that can help with this one too. And if you don’t, it’s pretty likely you’ll know someone who has, and who can help.
Change is a constant. Remembering this and putting in place small things to make a difference, can help us draw on our abilities to face the next big shift. And, it might just help to alter the relationship we have with change to make us a little more comfortable with it.
If you’re wrangling with the discomfort that change is bringing for you or your team, get in touch. I’d love to help.