Leaning in to the discomfort of change. Change can be whatever you tell yourself it is, or can it?
Flash to a manager trying to convince him/herself that the the imminent changes that have come down from the Directors will improve life for everyone. How believable is he or she? Have the need and value of the proposed changes been clearly communicated . Some can easily accept new doctrines and behaviours, simply adapting themselves, no big deal. Others may find it less easy to sign up. They might very much want to, telling themselves they can take this on, show faith and willingness and adapt. Yet when push comes to shove, they find themselves at the short end of a dilemma that cant be resolved with good will or effort. They want to be onboard with the proposed changes, they really do, and yet they aren't. They start to bully themselves, or blame the change bringer. What will help?
This is the point at which it is important to understand that intellectually valid, logical methods of persuasion might not be enough to rally them to the cause. There seems to be an emotional component.
This is where individual coaching can be invaluable. A trained and experienced coach can help the staff member to adapt to the changes required by taking a different approach to themselves, instead of the usual message; "the beatings will continue until morale improves" each member can develop a way of moving through the discomfort of change and derive satisfaction and esteem from it. Taking a broader look at individual learning styles, relieving the burden of comparison and bringing the emotional components into alignment will give good results. This works as an inclusive strategy to retain highly capable and motivated members with diverse methods of thinking and functioning. These are the conversations that I excel at, so give me a call and let's see if I can help.
James Simson ICF 35 years experience of working up close.
Helping clients achieve greater understanding of themselves and their true value in order to build purposeful connected lives in times of profound change. Find out more >