There's something amazingly affecting about having to look for a new job. We all like to think that we are resilient and resourceful people. We tend to think we can adapt well to change – we did paint the living room a whole new colour just last year!
The truth is that we're not really good at change. It affects us deeply. It undermines things that we had believed to be true. It takes the solid ground out from under our feet.
The research done by Elizabeth Kubler Ross forty years ago can help us understand this. Bear with me on this. The ‘change curve’ or ‘transition curve’ is actually based on research into bereavement. That's the loss of a loved one. Does it sound more relevant now?
The change curve shows a tremendous loss of confidence over a short period of time, followed by points of optimism…before you sink again. It doesn’t always go just like this. In fact, the science of this is often disputed. But it is a useful indicator of how we react to change.
You'll also note that when recovery does start, you end up higher than where you started. And that’s the good news. Generally speaking, when faced with a challenge most people come out stronger. That’s one of the miracles of human existence. We’re actually built to learn and get better.
Of course, not everyone reacts this way. And when you lack confidence you’re likely to imagine that you’re one of those who won’t learn...who won’t improve. But I certainly wouldn’t bet against you!
There are short-cuts to managing your way out of the change curve. We regularly talk to multinationals about them. So you’re not alone if it doesn’t seem clear.
Here’s the trick though: make a plan.
That’s it. Figure out where you want to be. Write down where you are now and then create a plan for how you are going to get from where you are now to where you want to be.
Once you start implementing that plan, you’re on your way back.
/df
David Ferrabee
Ferrabee is MD of the management consultancy Able and How. He’s a regular speaker and published author on the topics of organisational communication, change management and leadership. Visit his website at www.ableandhow.com.
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