Tips for Dealing with Change
Recognise that change does happen
Embrace it! The more we understand that change will happen, the less upset and surprised we will be when we encounter that change. Denying that change will happen only makes things more difficult.
Office gossip
Recognising that change happens is highly desirable. It’s even better, though, to recognise when change might be occurring in your own specific situation. Keep alert to subtle clues e.g. Are you being excluded from important meetings? Does your boss seem more distant? Are their rumours in the air? What are the stories around the water cooler/ photocopier/fax machine?
Stages
Reactions to organisational change resemble those to the death of a loved one, according to the work of psychologist Elisabeth Kübler-Ross. The early stages include shock and denial (refusing to believe what has happened and instead believing everything will be all right), guilt (at not having done or said more or for not being the decedent), and anger (at the decedent or at God). Later, one passes through the stages of acceptance (acknowledging what has happened) and moving on.
With respect to organisational change, an additional “negotiations” stage can occur, in which the affected person offers to work harder as a way of preventing or forestalling the change.
All the stages don’t necessarily occur. The progression might not be a smooth linear one, and different amounts of time may be involved with the different stages. Regardless, the quicker you get to the acceptance and moving on stages, the better it will be for you.
Comments
Debbie Catt – Redundancy Specialist
I am an experienced Public Relations Specialist turned Business Coach/Personal Mentor who has survived six redundancies over my 30 year career. Every time is a shock to the system, even if you are expecting it, but I have learnt techniques that have helped me restart my career each time. I am also a qualified Careers Advisor, from an earlier part of my career so I know how to produce an effective CV and manage interview situations successfully.
But just knowing how do do things doesn’t always help you find the strength and motivation to actually do them. There may also be other issues going on in your life at the same time so it’s not just a straightforward process of dusting yourself off and getting back into the job market. The first time I was made redundant I was informed on the same day that my divorce was finalised! I have turned around what seemed at the time to be hopeless situations many times in my life and have developed ways of motivating myself to get back on track each time. I have now developed a programme to help others tackle setbacks in their lives – called ‘No More If Onlys’. I present the skills and techniques that have helped me recover from a mass of major setbacks in my life and have seen many people benefit from using them to help improve their own situations. Visit http://www.nomoreifonlys.com to see more about getting your life back on track.
Responding to demand for help and support with redundancy, I am creating a whole web based support programme at www.helpwithredundancy.com which will be available shortly.
Here is some information that I have been publicising to the media to raise awareness of the whole redundancy issue.
News Release
Redundancy Causes ’Snake-Bite Syndrome’ That May Have Lasting Effects
Redundancy is always a bitter blow, but for many the impact has more serious consequences. Tackling the’ snake-bite syndrome’ (SBS) is crucial, but many don’t even realise what’s happening to them. Business Coach, Debbie Catt likens the shock of redundancy to that of being bitten by a highly venomous snake. “After the initial shock – the paralysis sets in” says Debbie, “and if it’s not recognised and dealt with, the effects can leave permanent damage to individuals and whole families.
“It’s hard enough to overcome the initial shock and trauma of being made redundant” added Debbie, “Most people think it’s just a case of dusting off your CV, practising your interview techniques and buying a new suit”. But those who suffer from SBS are often treated as if they are lazy, stupid or both – especially by those closest to them who just don’t understand their situation. It can be totally debilitating, even creating a type of agoraphobia where the victim can’t even pick up the phone or venture out to seek help. This causes conflict when those looking on get impatient and angry with the perceived lack of motivation.
“Telling someone in this condition to pull themselves together and get back on the job trail is like telling someone who is suffering from Clinical Depression to ‘cheer up’”.
And the redundancy situation is getting worse - latest figures from the Office for National Statistics show that the redundancy level was up to 301,000 for the three months to May 2009 – that’s up 31,000 over the quarter and up 182,000 over the year.
To make things even worse, there were only 429,000 job vacancies in the three months to June 2009 - the lowest figure since comparable records began. This number of vacancies is down 35,000 over the previous quarter and down 222,000 over the year.
“In the current difficult economic climate, you've really got to be on top form to get one of the dwindling number of jobs”, continued Debbie. “So recognising that you or someone close to you needs more than a ‘pep talk’ is a major step in helping fight back from redundancy”.
24-Aug-2009 10:40 AM
You could certainly see your expertise within the article you write. The sector hopes for even more passionate writers such as you who aren't afraid to say how they believe. Always go after your heart.
16-Mar-2012 07:03 AM
microsoft points free commented on
I visited several web sites but the audio quality for audio songs current at this site is truly wonderful.
18-Apr-2012 07:43 AM