13/10/2020
The news has been a constant reminder that we are currently in a global pandemic, where re-structures, working from home and social distancing are the new normal. So, if you are a SME wishing to utilise coaching skills as a tool for change management, Coaching Quest could help you shift to this new normal and maximize the benefits of the imposed changes for your organisation and colleagues.
Firstly, change does not come naturally to most of us, so coaching can really help eliminate resistance to this type of change. However, you and your colleagues may have already been quietly getting on with the existing changes for months, but may need help to fully benefit from this new way of working.
Secondly, if you are now formally reviewing your working practices, Coaching Quest can assist you in the process and help you to support your colleagues identify their own way forward. This will enable a smooth transition over to any new way of working and ensure they are much more likely to support the change, no matter how big or small it may be.
And finally, if you are working on a change project or program, you will have the additional support from ongoing communications with Coaching Quest that will help you understand the need for any new changes and work through any negative impact it could have. It can also build your and colleagues confidence and awareness of the changes before any take place.
Adapting to Change
Change is normally defined as a process or transition, to move from a state A (the current state) to a state B (the future state).
Most of us have learned to adapt to everyday changes or challenges within our lives, and normally follow a similar process to register, understand and accept a change. However, because many people feel they had no involvement when re-structuring, social distancing and stay home plans were imposed, most people simply moved straight to acceptance.
The difference we now face with these ever-changing restrictions, is we have no idea when we will ever return to normal life, or what that will eventually look like. And some things may have changed forever, so it’s really important you and your colleagues have a detailed understanding of all the different stages of change:
• Denial – This is the first stage and is normally unconscious, so colleagues may not always recognize the clear signs and signals all around. This can be because they fear the loss of control, support or access to something that is needed, but whatever the reason there must at some point be a taking of notice a change is coming.
• Resistance – This is the second stage and is the way of trying to stop the change happening now colleagues have moved on from denial and acknowledged it. They will try to make implementing any changes difficult and this can lead to feelings of anger, or criticism and blame aimed at you or your organization who are trying to make the changes they don’t want.
• Explorer – The third stage is where colleagues have moved on from trying to stop the change and now want to find out exactly what it is and how it will impact on them and the world around them. It can lead to alternative solutions being suggested or a step back into the resistance phase, however they would normally start to be excited by what they see. And because they now have a much better idea of exactly how big an impact this will have, they start to think about the change in a different more positive way.
• Acceptance – The final stage is where they now understand what the change is and are prepared for it to happen, so they can commit to it taking place. They may not always agree with what is happening, but have either exhausted all options to block or resist the change, or they now better understand the benefits it will bring or impact it will have.
If you would like further information of the ways Coaching Quest can support you, please contact Jon on telephone number (07746) 450565 or email [email protected]
Or, look on the Coaching Quest website
Hello and welcome to Coaching Quest, a coaching and people-management consultancy service that offers support, clarity and purpose to both individuals and businesses. My innovative approach gives you the tools to see beyond any obstacles in your path, take control and shape outcomes to achieve the f...
