Helping Others Change 

They say the only constant in life is change.  

Change is hard, though, and my own anecdotal experience indicates that most people don’t like – and may actively resist – change. How do we help others navigate change better? 

Communicate. 

Yes, one tip, one word. Increase your amount of communication with parties involved in change. As an advisor once told me, “However much you think you’re communicating, double it. Then, double it again!” Excellent advice! 

Some things to communicate to help others stomach change better: 

  • Why the status quo is unacceptable 
  • What, exactly, is changing, when, and how 
  • What impacts, if any, will the change have on this person/these people 
  • How long until the “new way” is in place 
  • Expected contributions from these other parties to the change effort 
  • How evaluation measures, incentives, and rewards will be aligned in the “new way” of doing things 

 There are others, but these are a few key points. Amazingly, time and again I’ve seen change efforts fail simply because the champion or leader did not communicate some or all these rather simple and obvious items. I have also seen change efforts exceed expectations when these items, and more, are communicated proactively and effectively. 

In my informal surveys of college students when I used to teach, I found that while the majority may not like or want change, they’re much more willing to accept it if the reasons and details are communicated well. Isn’t this true for most adults? We can accept things much easier when we understand the what, why, how, and when. 

I’ll reiterate this one, because it applies to so much more than change…however much you’re communicating, double it. Then double it again! 

 

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Craig A. Escamilla
Craig A. Escamilla
Craig Escamilla helps you find solutions before problems exist. With fifteen years of consulting, teaching, and senior management experience, Craig brings a wealth of practical expertise to helping others work on rather than in their businesses.

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