The Harsh Realities Of Making Change

2020 was a year of change.  Everyone had to adapt.  Sometimes at speed.

In business we know that making change is necessary.

Making it a reality is often very difficult.

I’m sure we can all recall situations where attempts to change, failed dramatically.

Does that mean that that we should throw in the towel?

Of course not.

At the same time we have to be aware of the realities.

Reality 1: First Responses Are Mostly Negative

Immediate reactions to the idea of change are typically negative.

Some research I read suggest about 80% of people’s first reaction to change is negative.

So it’s hardly surprising that it can feel like pushing a large bolder up a steep hill at times.

Reality 2: Top Down Approaches Rarely Work

There can be grand visions at the top about change.

Of course the people who make it work are much closer to the point of implementation of the change.

It’s this group who determine whether it succeeds or fails.

Reality 3: Everyone Is To Some Extent Tuned Into Their Own Radio Station

I call it WDIMFM.

Decoded – what does it mean for me.

Ideally people would look at the bigger picture.  Initially the focus is on how it personally impacts on them.

Reality 4: Some Will Favour Holding On To The Familiar

Even if it’s not working that great.

It seems illogical and to some extent it is.

On the other hand people are comfortable with what’s familiar.

Doing something differently requires us to step out of the comfort zone.

To move from safety to uncertainty.

Reality 5: People Can Adapt When They Have To

COVID-19 has shown that.

It’s taught us that when we really need to we can adapt and adjust.

We might not like it but in the no choice scenario, people do change.

The Bottom Line:  Change will always present challenges and opportunities.  The key thing is to step into change with your eyes open and expect some bumps along the road.

About the Author Duncan Brodie

Since 2006 I’ve worked with in excess of 8,000 accountants and professionals in workshops, seminars and one to one helping them land their next jobs and become better leaders, presenters and business partners. Before that I spent 25 years in accountancy climbing the career ladder from Payments Clerk to FD. I’m a CIMA Fellow, Certified Professional Coach and Team Coach Facilitator.

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