Working Through Change - Part I
I have the pleasure of working with a diverse group of people, most of whom are quite generous about sharing their knowledge with someone who asks, "Could I pick your brain?"
The other day I asked just that question of a co-worker who has completely changed direction twice during her career. Most recently she left a technical role in industry in order to apply her scientific knowledge and experience in a healthcare setting. In her words, "This is a whole new world."
I figured someone who could make that kind of jump would know a little something about helping people work through change, so that was the subject of my query.
She offered these worthwhile insights.
1. Acknowledge and address your own emotional response to the anticipated change. It's not just "other people" who have trouble accepting change, most of us experience some level of anxiety when our routines are disrupted.
2. Assess the impact of the change. Often we'll find that it's not as significant as it may at first seem.
3. Encourage others to express their reactions; just talking it out can help.
4, Take positive steps individually and as a group, usually just a few small ones at first, to help make the transition a smooth one.
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