Coping with Changes in the Work Place

Purpose This program is designed to help participants: anticipate how they will respond to change develop resilience so they can successfully manage the effects of change

Objectives By the end of this seminar you will be able to: identify 2-3 ways that change impacts you and others specify the two stages of transition people experience when responding to change understand the five attributes of resilient people develop a personal action plan of specific change management strategies

Agenda Defining Change The Stages of Transition Common Reactions to Change Managing Change with Resilience Successful Coping Strategies Developing a Personal Action Plan Resources Suggested Reading Summary and Evaluation To achieve the stated seminar goals and objectives, we will cover the following topics:

“Great opportunities are sometimes disguised as insolvable problems.”

Endings The Neutral Zone Beginnings The Stages of Transition

“Never let yesterday use up today.” Stage I: Endings

Stage II: The Neutral Zone “When it rains, look for the rainbow.”

“Tomorrow is a new adventure to explore.” Stage III: Beginnings

How to Handle Your Reactions to Change Accept that your feelings are the natural result of being in an uncomfortable situation Talk with people you can trust about your thoughts and feelings Give yourself time to deal with change Take the time to acknowledge and grieve the losses that change brings

How to Handle Your Reactions to Change Get as much information as you can about how or if your job will change Be flexible and open-minded Allow extra time for usual tasks if you are having trouble concentrating Do something each day that you find rewarding and satisfying

How to Handle Your Reactions to Change Allow yourself time to re-evaluate your personal and professional goals Consider all possible options Look for ways to positively impact the way your work group recovers from the changes Take a long weekend; don’t forget to have fun and enjoy what you have

Resilience The Ability to Return to the Original State or Form After Being Stretched, Compressed or Bent

Five Characteristics of Resilient People Positive Focused Flexible Organized Proactive

Positive Tips Use a journal where you can maintain a list of daily accomplishments Accept compliments and praise from others unconditionally Concentrate on becoming better at a new task rather than being perfect Practice using positive “self-talk” phrases Read the book Learned Optimism: How to Change Your Mind and Your Life by Martin Seligman, Ph.D.

“We cannot direct the wind but we can adjust our sails.”

Focused Tips Visualize yourself, as you would like to be in one year. Put a sign or picture on your mirror or desk to remind you of your vision Set specific short, medium and long-range goals Ask someone you trust to review your goals and give you specific feedback and suggestions to improve them

Flexible Tips Swap sides in a discussion where you disagree with someone — you argue their side and ask them to argue your side Identify someone who may typically approach things differently than you — ask them for input on your change initiative. Listen to their ideas without interrupting or passing judgment Drive a new and unfamiliar route to work or a friend’s house — look for and appreciate what’s different from your usual route

Organized Tips Purchase and use a day planner Take a few moments to think through and list the key steps you need to accomplish a new task before you tackle it Put pieces of paperwork and important information in clearly marked files and put them in an accessible place Break down a problem into smaller pieces, and then tackle the easiest one first

Proactive Tips Develop plans for managing the worst-case scenario that might result from your change initiative Practice assessing the risks about your situation or change initiative by listing all the pros and cons you can think of During change implementation meetings, ask questions and gather information

“A sense of humor reduces people and problems to their proper size.”

Successful Coping Strategies Physical Health Eat nutritional food Exercise regularly Get sufficient sleep Avoid excessive use of alcohol and caffeine Practice deep breathing Get a massage Enjoy the outdoors Practice meditation/yoga

Successful Coping Strategies Emotional Health Acknowledge and share your feelings Make a list of personal strengths, skills and resources Focus on the present moment Set limits-learn to say “NO” Use humor-laugh, have fun Limit unnecessary changes Examine and adjust your attitude Set aside time for yourself

Successful Coping Strategies Change Management Give yourself sufficient time for change Set realistic expectations and goals Focus on 1-2 change strategies at a time Think in terms of small steps Review and reward your progress daily Ask questions; gather information

“Refusing to ask for help when you need it is refusing someone the chance to be helpful.”