Understanding Change:
Change brings with it feelings of unrest, uncertainly and instability. While some people thrive in a a constantly changing environment, others quite naturally fear it. It is human nature. Change, if well-managed, can be a positive experience. This very much depends on the nature of the change and how well equipped you are, and your team are, to move back up the curve.
Derived from the work of Kubler-Ross, the Change Curve identifies 7 typical stages people go through when faced with change. This is any type of change. The vertical axis is your level of emotion - morale/energy/performance. The horizontal axis is the length of time.
As change happens, we can move from shock into denial, but after this we can take a downward turn into anger, blame eventually leading to depression and confusion. This can happen in a short space of time, or over a period of time. There does however come a time for acceptance - this leds to a new way forward where we can focus on solving problems and moving on.
The developmental area of the change curve at stage 5. At this point, we need to learn coping strategies before we can move onto acceptance and problem solving. We need to get in the right head space to do so. This is also a good point to work out what is in your control, and not. If we can't change the problem, look at how you change your response to it.
A colleague recently said to me they felt stuck at the anger stage during the COVID-19 lockdown. I replied I felt like I was going up and down the curve every hour! It is different for each individual.
Try to identify firstly where you are and if you are leading a team of people - where they are. Once we know this, we know how to respond. A great conversation to have at this time is to ask your team where they are, and what would help. Also show them your more vulnerable side, and let them know where you are and how they too can support you.
You can read more about the emotional impact of change in our Emotional Intelligence section.
As change happens, we can move from shock into denial, but after this we can take a downward turn into anger, blame eventually leading to depression and confusion. This can happen in a short space of time, or over a period of time. There does however come a time for acceptance - this leds to a new way forward where we can focus on solving problems and moving on.
The developmental area of the change curve at stage 5. At this point, we need to learn coping strategies before we can move onto acceptance and problem solving. We need to get in the right head space to do so. This is also a good point to work out what is in your control, and not. If we can't change the problem, look at how you change your response to it.
A colleague recently said to me they felt stuck at the anger stage during the COVID-19 lockdown. I replied I felt like I was going up and down the curve every hour! It is different for each individual.
Try to identify firstly where you are and if you are leading a team of people - where they are. Once we know this, we know how to respond. A great conversation to have at this time is to ask your team where they are, and what would help. Also show them your more vulnerable side, and let them know where you are and how they too can support you.
You can read more about the emotional impact of change in our Emotional Intelligence section.
Challenge:
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Have a good look at the above Change Curve. What is really going on?
The Albert Ellis ABCDE Model is used in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy to validate and invalidate certain self-held beliefs with a view to overcoming negative thinking. The model identified that it is not a situation, person or event that makes us feel in a certain way but is actually our own response to a situation, person or event that makes you react. Think about a time when you have felt angry, upset or anxious. What was the activating event? What did you believe was happening? What was actually happening? What was the outcome? |
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Coping with Change - Tools that Support the Curve:
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Develop Positive Affirmations
When you allow yourself to indulge in gossip, speculation and negative talk, you risk this really impacting on your own, and others' mental wellbeing. Look for the positives all around you. If it helps, write a gratitude journal and jot down everything you're grateful for - it may surprise you! Another good tool for limiting your self limiting beliefs is to ask yourself this question - would you speak to your friends in the same way you speak to yourself? Take a News Break Take regular screen breaks - walk away from the crisis news you're being faced with online, on tv and in print press. We are living in an age of instant news and, right now, very little of it is positive. Your mind will thank you for stepping away from it all for a bit. Think about yourself This is a unique situation and many people are spending a considerable time either on their own completely or with family and both can be completely exhausting. Take some time on your own to listen to some music, read a book, go for a long walk or simply relax in a hot bath. Have a look at our top tips for self regard. Make sure to keep your chat positive - like a mental pat on the back. Work on your Physical and Mental Health 2 things that are intrinsically linked. It really is true that when you devote time to your physical health, the benefits on your mental health are immeasurable. Consider what is in your control and what is out of your control. Our blog has more information on how the Covey model of control and influence can be applied to help you cope in situations where decisions and situations are out with your control. Most of all, find out what works for you - what are you 'coping' strategies to keep you moving back up the change curve.
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