Blog from Tracy Butz of Think Impact
Solutions
We know that change is
all around us. And as we come to the close of another year and prepare for the
beginning to a new one, change becomes even more evident. We also likely understand
that embedded in every change—or a milestone moment—is challenge, which often
times means it is difficult to handle and/or move through. I am a firm believer
that if I can understand an issue better, I can deal with it more easily. And
because there are predictable dynamics that occur during times of change, I
thought mid-December is the perfect time to help you transition into the New Year
with increased knowledge and insight, which just may help you handle unexpected
changes that lie ahead.
When going through
change transitions, most people experience four reactions: denial, resistance,
acceptance and commitment.
Denial. Individuals feel a sense of shock and experience the “why me”
victim mentality. The reality of the change hits and most people want and need
information. But even though communication is critical, giving small amounts at
a time is essential so as to not overwhelm and add unnecessary stress.
One high-profile example
of denial was the Libya attack at the US Consulate in 2012. We were again
attacked on 9/11 by terrorists. We couldn’t believe it happened again on US
soil. A more personal example is of a loved one who was recently terminated
from his job. Shortly after he was given the news, he called me completely
shaken, crying uncontrollably. He didn’t understand how this could have
happened to him; yet, some may say there were warnings, and if they were
heeded, perhaps this horrible outcome wouldn’t have ensued.
Resistance. When facing this reaction, people need to practice careful
planning while also preparing for objections they may receive from others. This
reaction to change is very personal and often emotional—with feelings of anger,
fear and resentment often be displayed as a result of the change. Employees,
colleagues and others are not engaged at work and if the resistance is poorly
managed, crisis or chaos may occur.
Hurricane Katrina is a
perfect example of resistance. Many people chose not to evacuate before their
lives changed forever on August 29, 2006. They resisted leaving everything that
was comfortable to them. This devastating hurricane, though, flooded 80 percent
of New Orleans, destroyed over 100,000 homes and nearly 2,000 people lost their
lives because of it.
A more personal example of
resistance at holiday time is over-extending your pocketbook. Instead of
realizing that your bank account is almost empty and you’ve begun using credit
cards to avoid saying “no” or “I can’t afford that,” some choose to ignore what
they know.
Both reactions drain
energy and enthusiasm.
Acceptance. This is the turning point for individuals and organizations. As
acceptance grows, people explore what the change means to them. It is often
viewed as an opportunity to do new things and take some risks. Learning is a key
component during this reaction—which takes time and support. Rather than
focusing on productivity, garner encouragement and heightened morale by
discovering something new and exciting. One example of acceptance is recycling.
What once was an idea deemed ridiculous and futile, has now become expected, “the
right thing to do,” and frowned-upon when not adhered to.
A more personal example,
especially as the New Year turns, is dealing with the battle of the bulge. As pounds tend to stick during the holidays,
many head to gyms armed with lofty goals, newfound exercise regimes and healthy
eating plans to help whittle the weight off. Those who invest in learning a new
way of living—while making significant lifestyle changes—are usually the ones
who shrink slowly and successfully.
Commitment. The fourth reaction most people experience during times of change
is commitment—where they embrace the
change and uncover new possibilities that they hadn’t before imagined.
Productivity tends to increase and the positive effects of the change are
noticed and felt. An important element is to celebrate the achievement and
share the success appropriately. One excellent example of commitment is the
9/11 Memorial at Ground Zero in New York. It is a place to honor and remember
those who lost their lives and is also a symbol of incredible patriotism and
optimism about the future. Here is a three-minute video clip illustrating this powerful
feeling.
Both acceptance and commitment are proactive reactions that build energy and
enthusiasm.
Most people move through
all four reactions; however some get stuck in one of them. Do you know a loved
one, a friend or a colleague who is stuck? If so, offer an empathetic ear or
extend a helpful hand to lend support and guidance. Sometimes a small act of
genuine kindness is all someone needs to march through that infamous steel
door. Get unstuck by acknowledging and then working through the undeniable awaited
angsts of change. When you do, acceptance will trump denial and commitment will
defeat resistance, likely with success following swiftly.
