4th April 2016

Don’t forget the human element of change

I want to focus on how change affects us, there are many process manuals for managing change but despite the tools and flow charts we mustn’t ignore or forget the human element when it comes to how we adapt to change in both our personal and business lives.

A quote from positive thinking expert Ketan Lakhani highlights for me the emotional element of change:

‘Change requires movement. Movement causes friction. Friction causes pain. Real change cannot take place without pain’

The secret is to minimise that pain and deliver outcomes that benefit you at the end of the process of change.

To help us do that, I’d like to take you through the five stages of change:

Denial – we rage against the light as we fight and strive to defend the status quo. This is natural, and in fact allows many of us to understand what we may lose or gain from any change as we enter stage two.

Anger – we realise that change has happened, or will happen, and can’t be avoided. It’s normal to feel insecure as you experience what you perceive as chaos all around you.

Dejection - by this stage the realisation of the changes we face are apparent, and it’s clear the old ways or relationships or processes are not coming back, and you have no other choice but to let go. The anger you previously felt is now translated into despair and remorse.

Acceptance – we realise that change has happened and that we have to get on with our lives and now reflect on how we can move on.

Understanding and evolution – we now realise the impact of the changes we’ve faced, we understand how they’ve affected us and begin to harness our acceptance and move forward.

It’s important in any change to go through these stages or we never move on emotionally or professionally. You might want to try these tips from the leading experts on change:

• Be aware that change always happens; nothing stays the sesame for ever. Change will inevitably happen in both your personal and professional life. You can’t live in the past, so denying that change could occur makes things more complicated for you.
• Stay alert and know what is happening around you. When you come across clues that hint that change is on the way acknowledge them and begin to plan for their impact.
• Anticipate the change process by recognising its different stages. Keep in mind the faster you get to the acceptance stage, the more positive life will become.
• Assess yourself, as change is a time when your confidence about your skills and capabilities gets shaky. Recognise your strengths and where you could bring them into play. At the same time stay aware of your areas for development and work on improving them.
• Be adaptable enough to look at all the different angles and nuances of the change and see where you could apply your existing skills and knowledge to manage the change and exploit any opportunities it brings
• Stay optimistic and maintain a positive mental attitude and outlook. It is perfectly normal to feel emotionally upset and drained at times but don’t let yourself drown in uncertainty.

Research has shown that the greatest fear for many during a period of change is feeling out of control. It’s easy to sit on the side-lines and watch events unfold but that can engender fear of the unknown and resentment of the outcome. It’s sometimes not easy but I would urge everyone to avoid being a victim of change and instead become an active participant. It’s far more empowering to involve yourself in the change and mould an outcome you desire.

John Joe McGinley 

Glassagh Consulting 

Investments, John Joe McGinley, Glassagh Consulting