Five Ways to Help Your Employees Handle Change
One of the most important tasks a manager can have these days is helping
employees prepare for and cope with change. Technology, mergers and creative
innovation make change a bigger part of the work environment than ever
before. Here are some pointers for handling the endless transitions:
- Focus on rewards. Every change has costs and benefits. Work with
employees to identify some of the benefits of change, such as the
opportunities to learn new skills, work with different people, change one's
environment, stretch one's talents, and so forth.
- Change on your own. Encourage workers to get into the habit of change by
trying new experiences and pursuing new knowledge when they don't have to.
It can be as simple as reading a new book or playing a new sport, or as
involved as signing up for training in a different field.
- Use self-talk. Suggest to your staff that they spend a few minutes each
day talking to themselves about change. They should try making positive
statements about change and their willingness to embrace it, like "I like
trying new things" or "I enjoy learning and growing."
- Look for strength. Acknowledge that change takes courage and strength,
and recognize those qualities in your workers, both individually and as a
group. Spotlight the progress your employees have made-new skills mastered,
better teamwork and greater efficiencies. Try to show how these victories
couldn't have happened without some sacrifice and courage.
- Encourage change outside of work. People will have a better time adapting
to change when it's a part of their whole lives, not just an element in
their workday. Urge your employees to develop themselves personally with
classes, community work, and so on. Make sure to support them by giving them
the flexibility they need.
-Adapted from "Change for the better," by Jim Estrada, on the Selling Power
Web site.
