Coping With Change

There are six (expanded from four!) stages in reacting to change...

Common reactions to change
Stage 1 - Shock
In a similar style to a grief reaction people may take some time to address the reality of what has just occurred. People can't really do much at this stage but come to grips with what the new situation entails.
Stage 2 - Denial
A common reaction may be to deny the impact of the change. "It doesn't relate to me, and it doesn't affect my department". A ritualised form of 'farewell" to the old ways akin to a funeral sometimes helps.
Stage 3 - Anger
It is important to openly deal with what angers people. "Why did we need to change at all when the way we were doing things was fine?" Some may actively resist or attack the change. Anger de-skills and can engender a mood of self-preservation. This may promote risk avoidance and hold back innovation.
Stage 4 - Passive Acceptance
The commencement of accepting that the way things are done has indeed changed and that the old ways are in fact gone. "I suppose if we have to deal with this, we might as well get on with it"
Stage 5 - Exploration
A willingness to look at actual methods for implementing and taking the change process forward. "How do we actually go forward from here?"
Stage 6 - Challenge
Actually going forward. Ensuring that the change process is the catalyst for continuous improvement and not just there as an obstacle. What stage is the team in now, and how do we move forward?

Today, depending on the Penguin player/former player I am in one of the first three stages. At don't see myself being at Stage Four through Six any time real soon.

GGG