When faced with change, people generally move through a number of stages. Not always in a linear 1-2-3 fashion, but rather based on their own background and personal characteristics.
However, by providing support, I believe we can help them move to a point where they are ready for changes to occur. It’s a process and it takes time and we have little control. Yet, we can help influence the journey through our understanding and supportive actions.
Stage 3 of the ChangeCycle (dot) com model helps us better understand how to support others that are feeling discomfort toward proposed changes. The goal is to help them move from discomfort into motivation for the changes.
Discomfort is felt because the brain is working to make sense of everything it is taking in. What’s lost. What’s new. The implications of both. What’s next. Etc.
This likely results in feelings of anxiety and thoughts of confusion. Due to these, behavior is less than productive because it may be more difficult to get things done.
To help others in this stage, it’s important to make the next steps clear and help others understand them. Help others see the importance of the steps by understanding their motivations and relating the steps to them.
If the steps aren’t taken, there’s a risk of anxiety turning to fear and moving back to Stage 1. Try to avoid this by working closely with others and getting change champions engaged to assist. Empathy may be your best way to look at the anxiety through others eyes and to help them in whatever ways are possible.
Have you ever seen anyone in this stage?
