A Research Paper By Warren Dix, Organizational and Personal Change Coach, NETHERLANDS
How We React to Change
In sterquiliniisinvenitur- in filth it will be found. That which you most need to find will be found where you least want to look Carl Jung.
Change is difficult. Change Management in organizations, even with proven theories and processes remains challenging. In my opinion, personal change is even more difficult. The question is, how do we change? We don’t know what we don’t know. This paper has been written to identify how we discover the power within.
The most important thing is to understand how we respond to change. Our mindset. Are we naturally open and curious or do we fear change and defiantly justify remaining as we are? In a leadership role, understanding what the different members of our team may be dealing with can build valuable connections. As an individual chances are several aspects of our lives or character can be tweaked to get closer to our dreams. Carol S Dweck in her book Mindset coined the phrases, fixed mindset or growth mindset. She provided insights that show we cannot change for the better if we do not have a growth mindset, or at least the ambition to change to a growth mindset.
Categorizing Change
Change can be defined in different ways: to alter, to transform, to move from one state to another, to behave differently. Neither good nor bad. We will be exploring the value of change, and how to make it a positive transformation. To embed it into a mindset of growth and improvement.
I will use the following categories for change.
- Global
- Local
- Individual
Each of these categories can be sub-categorized into either the change we initiate or the change that occurs entirely out of our control.
Global
Global changes are natural disasters such as earthquakes, floods, fires, or volcanic eruptions. We also have man-made events such as war or dictatorships, leading to corruption, and starvation. Let’s not forget the impact of political changes, monetary policy, social movements, and more. These events change people’s lives. The impact of a local war can reverberate across the globe. Financial market fluctuations also change lives due to soaring interest rates, limiting house ownership opportunities or pension payout decreases. These events are not of our choosing. However, we do choose how we respond. It is still within our control to respond with a growth mindset.
Local
Local change refers to change closer to home and all aspects of our lives that have a direct impact on us, or where we potentially have an impact on others. Local changes could be sub-categorised into work, community, friends, and family.
Work. Engaged and effective employees, those with a growth mindset, can facilitate positive change in their organization. Engaged employees who want what’s best for their role, department, or organization can be responsible for change. A simple idea from a junior clerk to improve a process could trigger a departmental change. Alternatively, and more commonly documented, C-level strategy rewrites enable huge organizational changes that impact most if not all employees. Mergers and acquisitions could mean new career opportunities or loss of income due to retrenchments.
The community extends to all areas where one is directly in contact with others, albeit physically or virtually. The focus in this instance is more around the proximity of contacts, thinking of religious gatherings, sporting activities, community BBQs, volunteer work, cultural events, neighborhood get-togethers, and social media. Like work, change is bi-directional, however, the individual’s impact on change in the community could be more significant. It’s a real treat to see nondescript people emerge as leaders from all walks and stations in life and contribute to incredible initiatives. Whether you agree with her or not, Swedish, self-described autistic climate justice activist Greta Thunberg started a community change initiative while still in school. It evolved into a global phenomenon! In modern times social media has produced controversial, polarising, and awe-inspiring movements which in some instances have resulted in changes in law.
Friends and family are the last of the local categorization. The proximity of this group of people to us and our lives leads to more bi-directional change. In families, for better or worse we experience change. Sometimes minor, sometimes major. The dynamics within our immediate and extended family further result in change. We are affected by relocation, divorce, and a new member of the family. Our friends get us into trouble and out of trouble. The changes from these events can be significant or inconsequential.
Regardless of the source of the local changes we did not initiate, change inevitably occurs to most of us and it’s up to us to choose how to respond.
Individual
Individual or personal change leads us to the essence of this paper. We see that change has many faces, many sources, many reasons, and outcomes that could be useful or detrimental to us. Change within, our personal growth defines how well we cope in a changing world! Can we fundamentally change ourselves? Or are we buffeted by the seas of change agents that don’t allow us to chart our voyage?
When we do contribute, when we speak up and it leads to change, is that not just our contribution to the ocean of change out there? It is, but the question is, where did that come from? What within you decided it was important to present the change you wanted to see?
People as Individuals and Their Context in the World.
The Kubler-Ross model[i] was originally developed to describe the stages of personal loss and grieving. The 5 stages are denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. Critics of the model propose that these are states as opposed to stages. Nonetheless, the model is widely referenced and still considered useful. Interestingly, the model has been repurposed by change theorists. Specifically, to gain relevant insights into individuals who are participants in a larger organizational change. Acceptance, the final stage (or state), ultimately still leads us to how a person responds, the word acceptance suggests leaning towards a positive outcome. Business is not only about bottom lines and profitability, but also about people and people remain an emotionally driven species. These insights help guide change managers in dealing with the softer side of the business.
Attributed to Socrates, the dictum “the unexamined life is not worth living” is one of many which holds at its essence, that change is growth. One may not be consciously examining one’s life but those of us that tolerate, accept, or even embrace change are living as opposed to surviving. For those who are more active or aware of self-reflection, it becomes more important and rewarding to fulfill our destiny by examining. The examination leads to insights, to room for improvement and (depending on skill and other criteria) leads to correction or change. However, developed by Luft, J.; Ingham, H. (1955), The Johari Window, a graphic 4 block matrix model of interpersonal awareness, we see at least 2 areas of the matrix where we cannot examine, those being the blind spot and the unknown.
U in Unique Is You
We are unique in our view of the world. Not even twins, raised in the same household, can share identical views of the world. There are just too many parameters that influence our lives. This influence leads us to gain a unique perspective. Influenced by external elements and genetics, then internalized to create a unique being. That unique being needs unique tools. Regardless of how motivated, intelligent, and introspective we are, to understand true change, we need a personalized approach and a sounding board.
Simply put, we do not know what we do not know! Or put differently, we are faced with unknown unknowns. If we could upload all the knowledge in the world into our brains, we certainly would know a lot. However, even that premise is impossible because knowledge is not only knowing explicit things. For instance, knowledge includes what is known by your next-door neighbor through their experience, you cannot know that too. So how do you go about translating the ‘unknown unknown’ to explicit knowledge? You can’t. Not alone at any rate. But don’t let that discourage you. No one knows the unknown. So where do you start? Start by sharing.
You need a sounding board to share your thoughts with, someone who can reflect them to you honestly. Someone who will help you gain a different perspective. If you are open to the process, you will start seeing things in a new light. You will start shifting from one perspective to another. You will examine your thoughts, beliefs, and values, to gain better insight into what you think and even feel. You will update your thoughts and perspectives to align more closely with your values. You will release long-held limiting beliefs and move closer to the person you believe you can be. The person who you know, at the core of your being, you aim to be. You will grow because you have accepted that you need to change. Change your way of thinking, your views, opinions, and thoughts about others.
Who do you use as your sounding board? Who is the savior that will lead you to personal enlightenment? You need to be able to trust the person explicitly. You need to speak with someone who will not judge you and, by extension judge the way you think. Ideally, that person needs the time and space to be available for you to hold space. They need to be present for you while you are present for them. You do not want advice; you want to be responsible for finding the change required from within yourself. After all, you know yourself better than anyone else.
Interestingly, normally this person is not your partner, sibling, parent, or best friend. They are too close to you and their view of you has evolved on the same or similar trajectory as your view of yourself. It’s difficult for them to be impartial. Who then? A mentor could be a useful start, especially for career growth. Mentors should have your best interest at heart, and they should have experience in the area in which you are looking to grow. An experienced mentor can be priceless. Religious leaders are good resources to tap into, especially for personal growth. A good therapist would be a choice if you feel you need to resolve issues from your past, deal with trauma, etc.
However, if you are just ‘stuck’, then you are looking for a coach, someone who is skilled in enabling you to grow. Someone who will partner with you to overcome any of your limiting beliefs, objections, or constraints. To demonstrate all the requirements set out above. People who are trained as coaches, be that a life coach, executive coach, transformation coach, etc. are a valuable resource to find for sustainable personal growth. Successful leaders in business have advocated this for many years, for example, Bill Gates and Eric Schmidt are two of those leaders[ii].
Change Is an Inevitable Part of Life
Change is an inevitable part of life, and it presents both challenges and opportunities for personal and professional growth. In this paper, we have explored the importance of embracing change and the impact it can have on our lives. We have learned that our brains are naturally resistant to change but capable of adapting and evolving. By understanding our mindset and being open to new possibilities, we can overcome the fear and resistance that often accompany change.
As individuals, it is crucial to identify our blind spots and areas where we can improve. This self-awareness allows us to break free from old patterns and habits that may be holding us back from becoming the best versions of ourselves. Whether it’s in our careers, relationships, or personal development, there are always opportunities for growth and positive change. For leaders, recognizing the different responses to change among team members is essential. Understanding their perspectives by using coaching techniques and subsequently providing support can make the process of implementing difficult changes smoother and more successful.
Ultimately, this paper has aimed to empower you to discover the power within yourself and make meaningful changes. It’s not easy. Life is hard. It’s useful to remember, that which you most need to find will be found where you least want to look. That takes courage. I hope this helps you to embrace change, be open to learning, and take proactive steps toward your dreams and goals.
References
[i]Elisabeth Kübler-Ross (1969) On Death and Dying
[ii]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XLF90uwII1k Retrieved 01 August 2023