As we can see, there are predictable stages that people or teams navigate when their world changes. Key among them is resistance. This is often THE toughest obstacle to overcome on the path to newness.
As change happens, tune in to what kind of resistance you may be encountering. Is it fear of an unknown? Could it be victimhood rearing its head? Might it be just plain anger over having to do things differently? Is it directed at you as the personification of change?
Tips to deal with the resistance stage include: Encourage people to express thoughts & feelings, listen carefully to what is said and what is not said, proactively engage them in the process without waiting for them to acknowledge it, carefully identify what people may be losing and discuss how their role will be impacted by the changes taking place.
Leadership Virtues We Can All Apply –These seven virtues were originally in the poem, Psychomachia, by Aurelius. They have been adapted for our purposes.
1. Kindness – placing the desire to help others above the need to supersede them
2. Temperance – the desire to be healthy, therefore making one fit to serve others
3. Charity – placing the desire to help others above focusing exclusively on one’s self interest
4. Self-control – managing emotional energy and leveraging that energy for the good of others
5. Humility – removing one’s ego and therefore allowing the attitude of service
6. Diligence – being both present and engaged with those around us and walking in their shoes
7. Patience – taking time to understand the needs and desires of others before acting or speaking
So as we are faced with precipitous change, keep the self-care up, polish up and apply personal je ne sais quoi. And for those who have gone the extra mile during change offer some lagniappe. You will be glad you did!
