It’s lovely now.
Though, for weeks, I navigated a gauntlet of large machinery every time I left my home – enduring clamorous noise at times necessitating zooming from a tiny remote closet, all while feeling more sensitive than usual due to my mother’s passing.
I didn’t know this was coming, nor did I ask for it.
It was a change – like many changes, it added another layer of ‘stuff’ to contend with.
Often, I note the trilogy of innovation, change, and conflict. These are like three very close cousins. You don’t have one without the other. The most challenging of the three, I believe, is conflict.
How did I cope? I sought out the foreman to learn what the project entailed. To my delight, it was a road with a repaired foundation and new surface—yeah!
That became my focus. I smiled and thanked the people when I had to weave through big equipment. When I was sequestered in my closet, I found humor (and also dust)! All while focusing on the smoothness of that new road devoid of bumps!
As leaders, what can we learn to help smooth the impact of change on others?
- Communication is utmost. Let people know what to expect.
- Focus on the outcome! In the middle of tough change focus on the wonderfulness of what is at the end.
- Acknowledge and support those who are implementing the change.
Watch the video for the blinks!
