How To Not Just Survive but Thrive in Times of Transition and Change.

Humans tend to gravitate towards consistency and away from novelty. This quality can intensify as we age because novelty/change indicate the unknown, which can signify danger. 

The human reaction to change can be easily visualized by the Change Curve.

Change Curve. Source: Kübler-Ross (1969). 

One of the most effective approaches for moving from Stages 1 (Shock, Denial) and 2 (Anger, Fear) to Stages 3 and 4 is to slow down and identify feelings without judgment. When people recognize their emotions and appreciate that they are a natural, and essential, part of the change process, they tend to move from Denial to Commitment with less distress and more efficiency. 

So how do you thrive across the change curve? We have a few ideas:

Focus on the Superordinate Goal

• Even mild stress can cause rapid and significant less prefrontal cognitive functioning. This change means we can get distracted by irrelevant information and generally do not think clearly.

• Ask yourself: What is the bigger picture? or Why am I doing this task? Write down your question and answer or say them aloud.

• Focusing on your superordinate goal will help you reduce unnecessary actions and distractions and give you the energy and clarity of action to ride through change.

Think Influence Not Control

• Successful people have an Internal Locus of Control, which is the belief that you have the ability to influence the world around you.

• Influence is not control.

• With focused attention and sufficient effort, more often than not, you will be able to effect desired outcomes, but sometimes even when you do your best, external circumstances may have a negative impact on your plans. Embracing that truth is helpful for both your wellbeing and your impact. 

Communicate with Openness and Vulnerability

• Listen actively to one another without interrupting. Repeat what people say in their own words. Try to help them (and you) by digging beneath the surface to understand what they really mean.

• Be transparent about your thoughts and feelings with colleagues. Share your own struggles with the change and uncertainty you may be experiencing.

• Communicate mindfully rather than reactively: Be honest about your ability to execute on tasks during a given timeframe. Ask for help if you need it: There are so many interdependencies in knowledge work. It is better to acknowledge that truth and ask for what you need.