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HOW CAN I
LEAD EFFECTIVE CHANGE
AT HOME AND AT WORK?
Although change can be positive, at the onset of change, the unknown creates
fear in most people. Common concerns include: How will this effect me? What
will I lose? What will it cost me? Will I be able to handle the change? What if...? Effective
Leadership addresses these unspoken objections before they are spoken and acted
out.
Below are 4 Steps to Effective
Change for you to keep in mind:
1. Communication: Communicate, Communicate, Communicate...and then
communicate more! Communication is the key to change. Many people feel frustrated because
they feel they have explained the change clearly, yet meet resistance. Remember,
communication does not happen until the message is heard, understood, received
and bought into. I'll never forget the time when my oldest daughter was a
teenager. She was a straight A student and all-state in soccer. The
problem was she couldn't keep her bedroom. What was the problem I
wondered? Certainly I had communicated the importance of all of this to
her. But time and time again, she would keep it clean for awhile, and then
go back to her messy habit. It wasn't until I was willing to hear her
perspective, that we could come to a win-win solution. This was a good reminder
to me that communication is a two-way street!
The morale of the story is...Don't just "tell" your
family members or co-workers about the change you see needs to occur, sell them by
listening to their concerns & overcoming their objection to the
change.
2. Perception: People ask me all the time--do adults really change?
Well I hope so, or I would be out of business. In order for adults to
change, we need to be compassionate. We need to remember that most people focus on what they are losing
versus what they are gaining. It is important to emphasize the gains and
address the losses to create a positive perception and acceptance of change. When there is
a gap in information, our human tendency is to fill that void with assumptions. By
watching our perceptions and asking questions, we are able to gain the accurate
information needed to embrace change.
3. Attitude: In order to be resilient in change, we need to have a problem solving attitude.
By asking ourselves questions and opening ourselves to possibilities, we find solutions we
would otherwise not see or hear. "How might I adapt to this change?" "How
might I make this change work for me? How might I make this change work for the organization?" These are questions
that can keep our attitude positive toward change. Be open to dialoging with
employees so that we are problem solving the hurdles together.
4. Embrace the Change: In order for change to be effective, we need to accept the change and
embrace it ourselves. If we are not fully bought in as ourselves, the people
around us will sense it. Remember, our message is "heard"
on many levels-10% is the words, 30% the tone of voice, and 60% is the body
language and the emotional energy we are feeling regarding the situation!
all contents are
copyright Susan K. Wehrley & Associates, Inc 2004
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How can I Lead Effective change at Home and Work 
