Assisting others through change

People are only human, and as a change manager or change agent, it is important to keep that in mind. Reactions can and will vary depending on the person and the presented CHANGE.

Here are three basic change concepts that can be use to help better understand and assist others through change.

• Identify how the person(s) will react to change and identify an approach that will fit.

Avoid Change - "What ever it is, I don't want it!" If this person can be convinced, they can be your strongest change advocate. If not, they may tear down any progress. Identify these persons as soon as possible; try to remember, you may not be able to convince everyone.
Change Ahead - "Bring it on!" Leverage their enthusiasm!
Right Behind You - "Tell me what you need me to do." Takes little convincing and feeds on ques from others. 
More Details - "Show me the fine print." Sometime may seem to challenge the change. Provide a sound case and the details. Logic can bring these folks around. 
What Change? - "What! I didn't know about that." Either change neutral or strongly reacts when surprised. Keep them informed and they're likely to join the journey.

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• Acknowledge and show empathy to various emotional stages of change curve. 

Source: https://www.happymelly.com/navigating-organizational-change-a-model/

• Prepare to bring them on the change journey (as best as possible) using these simple ideas:
  1. Communicate in advance and set expectations. Explain the end result in their terms, not yours.
  2. Provide tools and support during the transition. This can be difficult, but think of creative ways to "get them through it". Sugar coating difficult change seldom ends well. If the end result changes due to unforeseen factors OR the transition isn't going well, communicate as soon as possible. No one likes being the last to find out.
  3. Ensure the end result is successfully delivered. Deliver what was promised. Oh and don't forget to celebrate (as appropriate) getting "across the finish line". Change isn't easy for everyone and it feels good to acknowledge getting through it.

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