Our changing world…
Looking at social media sites you can see that we are all going through change on many different levels. Both personal and business changes have been needed to be addressed or altered as a result of this pandemic.
As a leader of change management for over 10 years I wanted to share a model I have used many times to help move through change and integrate it into your daily routines.
Change on this scale affects everybody, but the impact is different for every individual and business. How each person reacts is dependent on their life experiences and the things that influence them.
How can change management help me?
Change Management is, in my opinion, the ability to understand what is happening and the impact of change for both yourself and others close to you. Then it is about making a plan, either mentally or physically, to work through to acceptance of what is inside and what is outside of your control.
Like the majority of people I have also had my share of major changes and loss events in my life. Navigating my way through multiple events, both as an employee and as a leader, I find it helpful to work my way through the Kübler Ross model.
This was a series of interviews, conducted by Elizabeth Kübler Ross with people that were facing loss or change. The output of these interviews identified common patterns that developed into five stages of grief.
The Five Stages of Grief
Observations from Elizabeth Kübler Ross, identified a pattern of 5 stages, when talking to people who are going through this process. Elizabeth highlighted that you can experience one or more of the stages together or miss a stage out entirely. The stages are:
- Denial – Not believing it is happening to you.
- Anger– Lashing out as you start to understand the situation.
- Bargaining – Offering things in exchange for a better outcome.
- Depression – Feeling very low.
- Acceptance – Coming to terms with the reality.
These stages (described in full here) are there to help move through the process. The work has helped a great many people to cope with their suffering or acceptance of their position.
So how does this model help with change management?
Kübler Ross’s stages of grief were identified by many experts as having similar patterns to large scale change, mainly associated with business transformations and redundancies. This led to the adoption, by the EKR Foundation of the Kübler Ross Change Curve, which took the 5 stages of grief and evolved them into the 7 stages of change.
The 7 stages, using the example of home working, are:
- Shock – “What is going on in China?”
- Denial – “This is not happening to me. I can still go out. My country is fine!”
- Frustration – “Why don’t my government do more!”
- Depression – “Feeling isolated. I miss speaking to people face to face.”
- Experiment – “I am going to try to keep in contact with my family, friends and colleagues. What are my options?”
- Decision -“Using technology more to keep in contact and push those close to me to do the same. I am starting with an online dinner party. Alcohol and laughter is much needed.”
- Integration – “It is great to talk to family and friends, My parents are even learning to use video. I feel better and am looking forward to my next catch up. We will get through this!”
So what can I do now?
When I have led change management this has become one of the patterns I have been taught to look out for in individuals and teams. Helping them to move through the stages to integration.
Do not just take my word for it, why don’t you look back through your posts and those of your friends and colleagues to see if you can identify the stages of change mentioned above.
Most of us are facing change in its many forms but we can move to integration if we recognise these stages and take charge of what is in our control. Asking for support is not a form of weakness, but a recognition of the need to move forward. We are all here to support each other through this tough time.
In summary…
There is a large amount of fear and fake news being generated to keep you worried or focus on remaining on the six stages of change mentioned above.
This is a serious situation only you have the power to embrace the fear and ignore the fake news. Try to move yourself, your family, your team and/or your business into acceptance and integration.
During this time I have seen some fantastic stories about businesses changing to help make ventilators, masks, hand sanitiser. My previous company standing up to offer free fuel to emergency services, including taxis that transport nurses and food delivery to the vulnerable.
Also finally many individuals offering their time to help others and the celebrations and thanks from all of us to the people that continue to fight against COVD-19. Keep strong, stay safe and take care of yourselves.
