The benefits of change

When we object to change, we focus on the stupidity of what THEY are doing. The problem is always with THEM, not us. This may be partly true, but it also may be partly our inability to see things objectively or from their perspective. How comfortable are you to look at your reaction to change objectively?

Which are your reasons for resisting change?

Countering an overly intellectual stance

• Being too intellectual means judging things we haven't experienced.
• Like deciding we don't like a certain food before we've tasted it.
• Can you suspend judgement until you've tried the changes?
• Can you do a pilot project to get a taste before adopting the changes?
• Intellectual criticisms can be rationalizations of other reasons.
• What other reasons on the list above do you have for objecting?

Countering negativity

• Research shows that making a full list of all the positives of a situation can help us develop a more positive perspective.
• Write down all the benefits you can think of for this change.
• Suppress your inclination to revert to negative thinking until you have completed a long list of benefits.
• Benefits to the organization and new opportunities for you.

Overcoming hurt feelings

• It might not be productive to focus on why you weren't involved.
• How can you get yourself involved now?
• How is this an opportunity for you?
• With the benefit of hindsight, what improvements can you suggest that would buy you a seat at the table?
• Suggest improvements while praising what has been done already.
• style. Putting people down wins few friends.

Losing the familiar and your power base

• What new opportunities does the change present you?.
• All change brings inevitable loss as well as new opportunities.
• Mourn your losses but try not to be defeated by them.
• How can you build on what's happened rather than attack it?

Dealing with inappropriate changes

• Again, destructive criticism is a lose-lose approach.
• How can you go with the flow temporarily and best position yourself to gain an advantage as soon as the mistake is recognized?

Dealing with politically motivated changes

• This often the reality we have to live with.
• Without sacrificing your integrity, how can you make the best of it?
• How can you capitalize on the new opportunities?
• Focus on what you can do rather than what you can't.
• How can you sharpen your political skills without losing your values?
• Can you see it as team playing? Creating alliances fosters closer team work. Or customer service. Get closer to key customers.
• Looking for ways to prosper in a highly political environment is more emotionally intelligent than throwing up your arms in despair although it is undeniably easier said than done.