BALANCING LIFE’S ISSUES Surviving Mergers and Acquisitions

Objectives Learn what to expect in the midst of organizational change Learn ways to navigate through the process 5 Phases of dealing with change Opportunities Self Care Making a Commitment

About Change Change is the only constant We are in the midst of a change revolution It's natural to experience anxiety and stress when there is change We are going from what we know to what we don't know The same reaction holds true even when we initiate the change.

In the past year have you experienced… Marriage Separation or Divorce Pregnancy, addition of a family member Changed living arrangements New supervisor relationship Child going to college or starting school Child marrying Death of loved one or friend Loss of family pet Physical health concern or injury Parents going to nursing home Parents selling family home Graduation from school Beginning school or specialized training Logistic or procedural changes at work Loss of a friendship or other significant relationship Change in financial status/ongoing legal issue

5 Phases of dealing with change Denial Anger Bargaining Depression Acceptance

Phase 1 – Denial, Disbelief "I can't believe this is happening." "They can't be serious." "It's a joke, right?"

Phase 2 - Anger Underlying thoughts Indignation: "How can they do this to me?" "After all I've done!" "This is the stupidest thing I ever heard." I want answers.... "Why is this happening?" "Who decided this?" "Everything was working just fine, why do we need to change? Why now?"

Phase 3 Bargaining "There must be something I can do to stop this..." "What if they....?" "What if I... ?"

Phase 4 Depression "What's the point?" "No one appreciates me anyway" Retreat. Feel cut off May feel defeated Not valued Not important Betrayed

Phase 5 – Acceptance Resignation Hardest phase to reach Must work through all other phases Your reactions Their impact on you. Everyone experiences unique

Opportunities The light at the end of the tunnel Be part of the solution, not the problem Step up to the plate Show support to your manager and colleagues

Self Care Take care of yourself.  Sleep  Eat well.  Go easy on the cigarettes and alcohol. Acknowledge this is a rough time Do things that give you pleasure or satisfaction. Don't sabotage yourself! Don't keep it all inside Don't act out on your feelings

Making a Commitment A plan for action. Think about your situation, reactions, behavior What might you want to handle differently? Choose one action or behavior Commit to doing it Write it down. Work on it. Evaluate your progress. Move on!

Wrap Up What did you learn from today's session? Share what you aim to do differently.