Things are changing... 3 steps to help your team/your family/your community keep up

A wise person once said, "All management is change management". Indeed! Change is all around us.

Change is a deeply personal journey that unfolds at a different pace for everyone. During times of transformation, we instinctively look to leaders for guidance, clear decisions, open communication, and - this is key - meaningful and compassionate support.

There are 3 stages of change management that can make or break a person’s ability to keep up with any change you want or need to introduce:

Communicate. Absorb. Engage.

Here’s what you need to know: 

Stage 1: Communicate (Then Communicate Again)

- Just as with marketing, it can take 7-12 touches/mentions before someone pays attention to the change you are "selling" (and yes, we are all salespeople - at home, at work and in our communities)
- Frequency, volume, and variety are key
- Say/text/email/Teams it over and over and over again - don't stop saying it until the change actually happens. Truly - once is not enough here.

Stage 2: Absorb

Create space for people to process information and check in regularly.

Instead of asking "Do you have any questions?" try:

- "What do you like about it?"
 "What challenges do you think we'll encounter?"
- "How are you feeling about this?"

These questions will prompt deeper reflection and help surface concerns.

Stage 3: Engage

Provide clear structure for participation:

- Develop well-defined processes
- Set explicit expectations and direction
- Establish meaningful opportunities for feedback and input
With these 3 stages, you don’t have to be the leader (or parent) who fails.

Want some support around a change initiative? The Management Coach can help. Just email [email protected].

RESOURCE FOR YOU:

I just stumbled on a math formula for change: C = D × V × F > R (Change = Dissatisfaction × Vision × First Steps > Resistance)

And here's a link to a piece from the fabulous Conscious Leadership Group that will walk you through an explanation and some questions to ask yourself around transformation. And please, give yourself (and others) some grace here. Extend kindness to yourself as well as others. As the good people at CLG state up front,

"Resistance to change is the human condition".

The Change Formula from the Conscious Leadership Group

Always be learning,

Darcy & the team at The Management Coach

And thank you for being part of the Water Cooler family. We are grateful for you and the work you're doing out there in the world.