How people react to change depends on where they are at in their lives

In my previous article I wrote about how ‘change is an individual event and not a functional or team response’. In this article, we explore people’s different behaviours and responses to change, which is influenced by where they are at in their lives during time of change. As an organisation, you will have more success in leading your people through change when you better understand these behaviours.

Using the diagram below as a reference and your knowledge gained from my first article, work through each phase described below to understand the impact of change on an individual at the time change occurs.

Below The Medium Of Their Sphere Of Self-Worth Or Just Inside Doubt And Fear

If at the moment change occurs, a person is in the lower side of their Sphere of Self-Worth or are just dipping into some doubt and fear, they may display moments of stress but they tend to bounce back. It should be noted that the ability to bounce back becomes less if change is over an extended period of time. From a business impact the following may be seen or demonstrated:

• Productivity is impacted
• Quality can be compromised
• More mistakes are made
• Teams are affected by different reactions to change happening at different times
• Management of people becomes more demanding

At The Deeper End Of Doubt And Fear And / Or In The Deep Valleys Of Life

If at the moment change occurs, a person is experiencing significant Doubt and Fear or in the Deep Valleys of Life additional support is usually required. This is even more important if change is over an extended period of time. Often a person will not recognise they are in this space and may need assistance to start the journey back to their Sphere of Self Worth. 

Above The Medium Of Self Worth And Experiencing The Natural Highs In Life

If a person is in this space when change occurs they are more likely to cope. It should be noted that this can change at any given moment when change is over an extended period of time.

At The Higher Level Of The Natural Highs Of Life And / Experiencing A Pinnacle Moment

If at the moment change occurs a person is experiencing the Natural Highs of Life and/or experiencing a Pinnacle Moment you will often find these people will assist leadership in driving and implementing change. They look at the positives and have an attitude that the ‘glass is half full’. It should be noted that most of these people will still experience a negative reaction to change at some point through the change journey.

Self Assesment

Use the diagram above to do a quick assessment of where your people are at. What impact do you think change would have on them if you were to announce a change programme right now?

Change Management is an art and a skill few have mastered. The art and skill referred to in this article is to keep your people in the Sphere of Self Worth. There are ups and downs but they will remain in a good ‘space’ throughout change if they can be kept within these natural bounds of life. This takes additional initiatives and a well thought out change programme. Leadership through change is a critical success factor. Start with an attitude of listening and you will stand on solid ground as you work alongside your people to move them to where you need them to be.