How will you handle the reactions to change?

Change creates unexpected reactions. People rebel. Some people simply ignore the change. Others react emotionally with sadness, confusion, and even anger.

Whenever leaders create change -- through a project, a new process, a new team member -- it creates a reaction. We can anticipate many of those reactions, but not all.

To improve performance we must create change. There is no standing still. And, the change never stops. People can grow tired of change, but the change must never stop.

As leaders we can provide some relief from the change fatigue that sets in. We can celebrate. We can preserve treasured artifacts and features of the culture before the change. We can honor those who have brought us as far as we've come. We can provide the breathing room that people need to remain centered and ready.

Ready for the next change.

Change creates unexpected reactions. How will you handle them?

-- Douglas Brent Smith

Comments

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