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We’re Not in Kansas Anymore, Toto! Effectively Dealing with Change in Turbulent Times. Dennis Guseman Cal State San Marcos May 31, 2011. Objectives of our session. Understand that change is going to occur Understand the natural reactions and emotions when change occurs
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We’re Not in Kansas Anymore, Toto!Effectively Dealing with Change in Turbulent Times Dennis Guseman Cal State San Marcos May 31, 2011
Objectives of our session • Understand that change is going to occur • Understand the natural reactions and emotions when change occurs • Develop some strategies to effectively deal with change
Future changes we can expect • Everything is going to change • Pace of change is going to increase • Comparison to living in a house versus stranded on an island
Comparison of living in a house vs. stranded on an island Life in a house • Comfortable – physically and emotionally • Secure – locks; security systems • Surrounded by family and friends • Lots of things to entertain and amuse us
Comparison of living in a house vs. stranded on an island Life stranded on an island -- Everything is different • No security • Little comfort • Sense of urgency • Priorities different • Survival • Rescue • Improvement
More like life on an island,than in a house • Perspective • Need to focus on opportunities • Have a clear set of priorities • Maintain a positive attitude – can’t give up • Relationships • Must learn to work with others; collaborate and cooperate • Understand the talents of each person and utilize those talents • Learn from others and develop trust in others • Be willing to help others
More like life on an island,than in a house • Innovativeness • Learn new skills • Experiment and take risks • Accept failure • Relentless improvement
Observation Exercise • Make 5 “Changes” to your personal appearance
Emotional Reactions to Change • You will feel awkward, ill at ease, and self-conscious when you need to change • Shock – • Confusion • Denial • Anxiety and fear • Hostility and anger • Resistance • Sadness • Stress
Emotional Reactions to Change 2. You will think about what you have to give up, no matter how many benefits you are going to incur because of the changes • Okay to mourn what you are giving up • Focus on the big picture of why the change is necessary and benefits to be received
Emotional Reactions to Change 3. You will feel alone, even though everyone is going through the change • Know that everyone is basically experiencing the same things you are • Talk about it and develop support groups
Emotional Reactions to Change 4. You can only handle so much change • When one area of your life changes, find stability in other aspects • Learn to expand your comfort zone – try new things and challenge yourself
Emotional Reactions to Change 5. People have different levels of readiness for change • Learn to deal with change and embrace it 6. You will likely be concerned you don’t have enough resources – money, time, skill • Collaborate • Think creatively
Emotional Reactions to Change 7. When the pressure is off, you will likely revert to old behaviors • Will have to give attention to the new behaviors • It will take time • There will be set backs – focus on the positive, what is going right, not wrong • Use different things to reinforce the new behavior – talk about it; write about it; think about it; practice • Seek out positive feedback
Why we resist change • Feelings of inadequacy • Threat to personal security – out of comfort zone • Fear of the unknown • Lace of trust • Inability to see the big picture
Strategies for effectively dealing with change • Attitude • Accept that change is going to occur • Accept that emotions are natural and normal • Know that you are not alone • Know that it will take some time to master the change • Learn to embrace change – see it as an opportunity; accept challenges • Believe in your self – remember past changes • Focus on the big picture – don’t get lost in the details • Take one step at a time – focus on successes and wins
Strategies for effectively dealing with change • Support • Create anchors in your life – stability • Find activities that you enjoy • Talk with others • Support groups at work • Family members and friends • People who are good listeners • Talk with managers • Seek clarifications • Positive feedback • Express needs for resources; training • Associate with positive people and be careful of rumors • Continue to learn • Help others
Strategies for effectively dealing with change • Reduce stress • Eat right, take care of yourself, get plenty of sleep and exercise • Take time for yourself • Develop relaxation method • Deep breaths • Okay to feel anxious; frustrated • Take a break • Cut back on other commitments • Maintain friendships outside of work