Learn to deal with it!
We have all been involved in change at some point; some of us more than others if we are working in an organization that has frequent change. Let’s face it, change is inevitable! Getting frustrated about change, however, does not have to be inevitable.
When we understand why change is an obstacle for us, we are better able to manage change. Consider the following common obstacles around change that causes increased frustration, discomfort and fear when we are confronted with change:
- Fear of the impact of change on our jobs, roles and responsibilities within the organization
- Insufficient information about the change and why it is occurring
- Fear that the change will impact us financially or that we might lose our job
- Disruption in our daily routine
- Not seeing the need for change (“we have always done it this way,” “everything is going fine as is”)
- Viewing the change as inconvenient given whatever else is going on in the workplace or even in our personal lives
- Not understanding the tools/technology necessary to implement/work with the change
Obstacles to accepting change are best managed when communication happens early on in a change initiative and frequently throughout the change initiative.
From a personal perspective, however, don’t wait for that communication to occur! Ask the questions! If you are unsure of why a change is happening, or how it might impact you, your workgroup or your department – ask!
Don’t wait for others to make you feel good about an upcoming change – take control by asking questions to get the information you need.
