Change management begins with you
My New Year’s resolutions usually last approximately four days. But I still make them every year because I appreciate the opportunity for a fresh start and the push to make some positive changes in my life. Despite the fact that many of us profess to hate change, it can also be an exciting time of new possibilities – for you personally, for your family or in your work. Whether you hate it or embrace it, it’s not really a question of “if” or even “when” change will inevitably happen, but rather a question of: “What will I need to get through it – and continue leading – when it happens?”
My New Year’s resolutions usually last approximately four days. But I still make them every year because I appreciate the opportunity for a fresh start and the push to make some positive changes in my life. Despite the fact that many of us profess to hate change, it can also be an exciting time of new possibilities – for you personally, for your family or in your work. Whether you hate it or embrace it, it’s not really a question of “if” or even “when” change will inevitably happen, but rather a question of: “What will I need to get through it – and continue leading – when it happens?”
During times of change, it’s common for both your ability (skill and experience) and energy (motivation and confidence) around new tasks to be low. It is in these times of low energy and ability that many people want to (and do) quit. But before you throw in the towel, try these three strategies to help yourself and others push through challenging times of change.
Set your expectations from the start.
I used to organize special events, and a friend once told me to expect at least three things to go wrong the day of the event. Because I was expecting these challenges, I was much more ready for them. I could even pray for the strength to handle them before they happened. The more you can embrace change, obstacles and fluctuating energy as normal and avoid catastrophizing, the more successful you’ll be.
Figure out the tools to build your ability.
Lead with curiosity: “Why didn’t that go the way I thought it would? What am I taking away? What did I learn about that person or group that will help me in the future?” Find some credible and trustworthy mentors. Make a list of questions or things you want to learn related to your new responsibility and try to cross off one each week.
Find the fuel you need to build energy.
Knowing that your confidence and/or your desire may wane, think back to prior times in your work when that happened. Identify what helped you build up your mental, spiritual, physical and emotional reserves and invest time pouring into those things.
You can’t stop change from happening, but you deserve the support to navigate and lead through it as effectively as possible. By recognizing times when your ability and energy may be low and securing the tools you need to boost them, you’ll maximize the potential God has put within you in whatever new context you find yourself in this new year.
Dan Cellucci is the CEO of the Catholic Leadership Institute.
