Surviving and Thriving Amidst Change

In his book “Managing Transitions” William Bridges states, “It isn’t the changes that do you in, it’s the transitions.” Change is generally situational, such as a new office location, working for a new supervisor, or reorganizing a company. Transition is a deeper process that one goes through when internalizing and coming to terms with the details and reality of a new situation.

As 2009 dawns, FSA employees are dealing with change and transitions in the workplace at many different levels: reorganization, new political leadership, departures of colleagues with vast institutional knowledge, budget reprioritizations, redesign of business processes and the subsequent modernization of information systems.

Since change is inevitable, sometimes the only thing you can control about it is your reaction. You are able to decide how you will view and respond to change. Your experience with organizational change can often lead to positive growth.

With that in mind – and in deference to David Letterman – the following “Top 10 Ways to Survive and Thrive in the Midst of Change” are offered:

1. Find out the reasons behind the changes. Find the people who are championing the changes and discuss their thinking with them rather than prejudging or dismissing the change. Perhaps hold a series of all-hands meetings for organizations that have projects underway as part of the FSA Organizational Transformation (FSAOT). Take advantage of meetings to ask questions and understand the projects creating change.
   
   
2. Use your past experiences with change to help you now. Give some thought to your own previous experiences with change – for example, recall a challenging job or a new supervisor. Consider how you dealt with it, what you learned, and how you may have grown as a result of that change. Look for ways to utilize that experience and knowledge now.
   
   
3. Be around positive people. It’s hard to change when the people around you are complaining, so spend time with people who are open-minded.
   
   
4. Consciously say goodbye to the old way. It may not be fear of the “new way” that stresses us, but rather the requirement to let go of the old and comfortable situation. Even positive changes often begin with an ending, such as the loss of a business process you were an expert in, an organization structure that had been in place for years, or a computer screen you were used to seeing every day.
   
   
5. Stay informed. Read newsletters, memos and emails. Take advantage of meetings to collect the latest information about what is happening. Ask questions of key managers involved in the effort to gather more information.
   
   
6. Understand that the ability to thrive on change is a skill you can develop. Change is inevitable in today’s workplace, and it is going to keep happening with increasing intensity and speed. An individual who is recognized by managers and peers as someone who can successfully navigate and support change will be highly valued, just as those with technical skills are valued.
   
   
7. Recognize the emotions you have are in response to change. Fear, frustration and anxiety are emotions associated with change. Remember it’s okay to have these feelings, but recognize it’s the change causing the emotions and not other people.
   
   
8. Never assume malice when additional information may offer a reasonable explanation. Make sure you have all the facts before drawing conclusions. Be generous to your colleagues and avoid attributing motivations to them.
   
   
9. Avoid taking change personally. As you face reorganizations or significant policy changes, try to realize the decisions were for policy, efficiency or technological reasons and not because your work has not been valued. Continuously remind yourself: It’s not personal – it’s policy.
   
   
10. Distinguish between aspects of the changes you can control and those you cannot control. Look for areas in which you can have influence and provide input. Respond to requests for information and engage in the process when asked.

Additional Information

Stay ahead of the curve on the transition. Government Executive.com offers a special report on the presidential transition with ongoing coverage and links to resources.

For breaking news, check out the Lost in Transition blog.