The Human Side Of Change

Navigating the three phases of transition 

I am often reminded that “change is the only constant” in work and in life. We accept it as a fact and yet, we have a human response to the changes going on around us. The issue of change is largely ignored by individuals and organizations until that moment when we begin to experience the symptoms of transition. These symptoms may show up as low-level anxiety, an aversion to taking risks, over-work or under-commitment. Whatever the symptoms are, they exist and are usually unaddressed by the employer. Performance will be impacted, however, especially in situations where the change is significant, such as with downsizing, corporate mergers and internal re-organizations, changes in management or team structures.