The challenges of moving on and how to overcome them
A couple of years ago my wife and I decided to downsize our house, little did we know that it would take almost two years and three prospective buyers before we would actually move and although we’re not quite there yet, it does feel that we’re about to be on the move – so to speak!
We’ve been in our family home for 28 years, so as well has having some very happy memories we do need to ready ourselves for change and all the ups and downs that that may bring.
In my coaching work, how to manage change is a popular topic. Whilst not all change is as seismic as moving house but change nevertheless and as humans because we’re not great with managing change, this can present a number of challenges, so what to do?
Difference between change and transition
I think it’s helpful to recognise that there’s a difference between change and transition. Change can happen quickly, but transition into that change takes a bit longer.
Problems arising from change
I find that people can give themselves a really hard time because they’re not as competent in a new role, through promotion perhaps, as they were in their previous, but of course it takes time.
One of the struggles is to identify what needs to be left behind to fulfil the demands of the new role.
Letting go can sometimes prove to be difficult particularly if you have to stop doing the things that you really enjoyed.
Managing stakeholders can also prove a challenge, especially if your previous team turn to you, whilst your successor is still learning the ropes, in the hope that you can resolve a matter in the way that you previously did. You oblige, because you don’t want to let anyone down, but this isn’t really supporting your successor as they settle into their new role.
This self-sacrifice just increases your workload and can contribute to a feeling of overwhelm. It prevents you from tackling the new stuff and sends out a confusing message as what your role actually is. You begin to wonder why you accepted the new role in the first place!
You want to feel in control, empowered and confident, so how can this be achieved?
Tips for managing change
- When you first encounter a new way of doing something, don’t react immediately. Give it some time before you express your opinion or identify a new way of doing something
- Be flexible in how you view a situation, recognise that there may be several ways of achieving an outcome
- Recognise that how you view a situation often determines how you approach it.
- Turn down the negative voice inside your head that says you can’t do something and think instead that you can
Change for the good
Change jolts people’s ways of doing things and can make you feel uncomfortable. But change often means that you can learn new skills, push beyond your comfort zone and approach situations in a fresh way.
Coaching to manage change
If you’ve been struggling with change or might benefit from talking through some change that you need to manage, then please get in touch, it would be great to have a chat.