The Change Curve Conundrum

I was present at a short discussion on change management today. Essentially the premise was that once learning of some life altering change to your personal life or business, you at first fall from denial and shock, only to finally pull up and out due to your natural ability to see the bright spots and the way out. These traits are especially true for leaders. What we have to watch for and be sympathetic to is the people who play a supporting role in our lives.

Because they are adverse to change their journey on the change curve will be accomplished at a somewhat slower pace. We must recognize this and react to it. Employees who are most adverse to change may also be the mouth pieces of the employee pool. Recruiting these individuals and getting them to see and accept the positives of the change, make them "agents of change", thus part of the solution. Don't assume that because family and employees "trust" us that they totally understand or even comprehend the light at the end of the tunnel. Keeping them in the loop and reducing their fear will go a long way to getting them on board.

They may never be 100% there, but you can help reduce their anxiety as you guide them out of the change curve.