Reactions to Change
What do you think about change?
I help people and organizations navigate through change – and there is a fair bit of that around these days, isn’t there?!! Many are seeking out change actively. Others are having change brought onto them involuntarily. Still others are awaiting unknown changes.
Everyone works with change in different ways. I like to use a framework drawing in part from the research of Bruce Schneider in his book, Energy Leadership. Which of these 5 types of reaction to change are you currently experiencing?
Are you curling up in a big ball, throwing the covers over your head and ignoring change? This type of reaction is normal and completely understandable. It is helpful and comfortable sometimes to rest in this space, and we all do. The questions here is for how long, and what is the next step?
Alternatively, are you angry and mad at change? It was nice the old way, right??!! You knew how to do everything - it was all just humming along! But now you want it back, you are not happy someone moved your cheese. Some people hold on to this place a long, long, gnawing time.
Or, are you doing everything in your power to survive and cope? You accept changes, accept compromises, keep everyone as happy as possible and just keep pressing on. You are essentially making the best of a situation and working toward that next unknown step, ready to manage that when it comes. Unlike the first two reactions, this is the first where active movement shows up, with an attempt to keep it all afloat.
Maybe you are focused entirely on everyone else around you. You are putting your own needs last, and maybe the needs of your business. It is all about making sure others are successful, getting opportunities and resources, and you are serving these others. Many find themselves in this type of situation, especially in current times. The biggest challenge to this place is that it consumes all of your resources, energy and time. It also can get dicey when those you are helping take it for granted in some way.
Or, finally, perhaps you are the type of leader that sees the wide opportunities in change. You see that it opens doors that previously were closed or not seen. It helps us focus on what is truly important and worth our limited time and resource. Maybe you show those around you that they could perhaps move past their own lethargy or anger, or their consuming focus on survival or purely helping others, and they can forge creative and long lasting opportunities to take us all to a stronger and better future?
Where do you see yourself in these five examples? Perhaps you react differently in different situations, or times of the day, or day of the week. More importantly, where to you WANT to see yourself?
