This episode is about something that we all do and at the same time, we all go through. It can be good or bad, and in some cases, leave us paralysed with fear. In any case, often leads to something positive.
In today’s episode, we will discuss the topic of CHANGE.
What is Change?
The Oxford English Dictionary defines Change in two ways:
• [no object] become different; be altered or modified:
Opinion eg
• [with object] turn or convert (something) from one state, form, or substance into another: eg self
Change therefore, is any transformation from what one was in the past to something different in terms of attitudes, behaviours, emotions, circumstances or any other area of an individual’s life.
Change is an unavoidable part of life that necessitates flexibility and the willingness to learn and expand our horizons.
Change in the Organisation
Change can come about in various forms in the workplace, from technology updates and organisational structure restructuring, through leadership changes to processes affecting employee morale, productivity and job satisfaction.
Managers need to support by communicating proactively, listening attentively, listening for any employee concerns and responding accordingly.
Managing Change
One popular way to manage Change is to employ the Change Curve. There are various versions, most common typically consisting of these stages:
1. Shock/Denial: At first, people experiencing change often react in shock/denial mode whereby they experience disbelief, denial and even numbness as initial responses to what seems like change.
2. Anger/Resistance: Once people begin accepting change, they may feel anger or resistance toward it.
3. Exploration/Experimentation: At this stage, people begin exploring their new reality while also experimenting with various behaviours, attitudes, and approaches that may change over time.
4. Decision/Commitment: At this final stage, people begin accepting and adapting to their new reality while becoming dedicated to making change work successfully.
Note that not everyone will experience these stages at once or in exactly the same order, nor for an equivalent duration and intensity level.
The Coaching Perspective.
Here are five questions that you could consider when coaching a colleague who is struggling to deal with Change. Remember, there are in no particular order…
These could be:
1. What changes would you like to implement into your life and why are they significant to you?
2. Are any current changes impacting upon you personally/professionally?
3. Have you considered any roadblocks that might prevent you from making changes that you want, and how could these be overcome?
4. Are any outdated beliefs or behaviours keeping you from meeting your goals?
5. How will you keep yourself accountable for making these changes and tracking progress toward reaching your desired result?
Overall it’s more often good in bed and using the change curve can help in understanding the changes that many of us go through whether individually or as a team organisation when change takes place
Follow this blog on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, and of course on the good old world, wide web www.mycoachben.com.
Until next time, peace…,
Your Coach, Ben
