We’re Not in Kansas Anymore, Toto! Effectively Dealing with Change in Turbulent Times Dennis Guseman Cal State San Marcos May 31, 2011

Objectives of our session Understand that change is going to occur Understand the natural reactions and emotions when change occurs Develop some strategies to effectively deal with change

Future changes we can expect Everything is going to change Pace of change is going to increase Comparison to living in a house versus stranded on an island

Comparison of living in a house vs. stranded on an island Life in a house – Comfortable – physically and emotionally – Secure – locks; security systems – Surrounded by family and friends – Lots of things to entertain and amuse us

Comparison of living in a house vs. stranded on an island Life stranded on an island -- Everything is different – No security – Little comfort – Sense of urgency – Priorities different Survival Rescue Improvement

More like life on an island, than in a house – Perspective Need to focus on opportunities Have a clear set of priorities Maintain a positive attitude – can’t give up – Relationships Must learn to work with others; collaborate and cooperate Understand the talents of each person and utilize those talents Learn from others and develop trust in others Be willing to help others

More like life on an island, than in a house – Innovativeness Learn new skills Experiment and take risks Accept failure Relentless improvement

Observation Exercise Make 5 “Changes” to your personal appearance

Emotional Reactions to Change 1.You will feel awkward, ill at ease, and self- conscious when you need to change Shock – Confusion Denial Anxiety and fear Hostility and anger Resistance Sadness Stress

Emotional Reactions to Change 2. You will think about what you have to give up, no matter how many benefits you are going to incur because of the changes Okay to mourn what you are giving up Focus on the big picture of why the change is necessary and benefits to be received

Emotional Reactions to Change 3. You will feel alone, even though everyone is going through the change Know that everyone is basically experiencing the same things you are Talk about it and develop support groups

Emotional Reactions to Change 4. You can only handle so much change When one area of your life changes, find stability in other aspects Learn to expand your comfort zone – try new things and challenge yourself

Emotional Reactions to Change 5. People have different levels of readiness for change Learn to deal with change and embrace it 6. You will likely be concerned you don’t have enough resources – money, time, skill Collaborate Think creatively

Emotional Reactions to Change 7. When the pressure is off, you will likely revert to old behaviors Will have to give attention to the new behaviors It will take time There will be set backs – focus on the positive, what is going right, not wrong Use different things to reinforce the new behavior – talk about it; write about it; think about it; practice Seek out positive feedback

Why we resist change Feelings of inadequacy Threat to personal security – out of comfort zone Fear of the unknown Lace of trust Inability to see the big picture

Strategies for effectively dealing with change Attitude – Accept that change is going to occur – Accept that emotions are natural and normal – Know that you are not alone – Know that it will take some time to master the change – Learn to embrace change – see it as an opportunity; accept challenges – Believe in your self – remember past changes – Focus on the big picture – don’t get lost in the details – Take one step at a time – focus on successes and wins

Strategies for effectively dealing with change Support – Create anchors in your life – stability Find activities that you enjoy – Talk with others Support groups at work Family members and friends People who are good listeners – Talk with managers Seek clarifications Positive feedback Express needs for resources; training – Associate with positive people and be careful of rumors – Continue to learn – Help others

Strategies for effectively dealing with change Reduce stress – Eat right, take care of yourself, get plenty of sleep and exercise – Take time for yourself – Develop relaxation method Deep breaths Okay to feel anxious; frustrated Take a break – Cut back on other commitments – Maintain friendships outside of work