MANGER
GUIDE
DERAC approach to change
People going
through change generally pass through five recognisable stages:
1. DENIAL
In the denial stage, change is approaching without the level of true
impact being realised. This stage surprisingly also affects very positive and longed
for changes - a sought after promotion brings with it unexpected difficulties
and responsibilities. At this stage communication is key. Reiterating what the
actual change is, the effects it may have, and providing as much reassurance
and support as possible to individuals is essential.
2. EMOTION
Emotion is typically demonstrated by some form of anger. When the full
impact of change takes effect, the predominant feelings are of anger and
injustice - anger at fate, at the lost opportunity or the injustice of ‘why
me?’ There is feeling of loss of control, blame laid on a partner or an
employer etc. If this anger is ‘bottled up’ it can have far-reaching
consequences and lead to unexplained behavioural symptoms. At this stage it can
be useful to explain these feelings are natural and a healthy and appropriate
strategy needs to be developed.
3. RATIONALISATION
People need to be able to make sense of the world, particularly when a
change in life is thrust upon them. Once the initial denial and anger has past,
the individual will seek reason for what happened and try to make events fit
their own particular view. To an outsider,
the rationalisation may not make full sense but as long as it makes sense to
the individual concerned it allows acceptance of the new state. Without this rationalisation, the individual
can revert back to the initial stage of denial and start the whole process
again.
4. ACCEPTANCE
The transition to this stage can come quite suddenly. It’s characterised
by a shift in thinking towards an as yet, uncertain future. The individual is
prone to leaps of the imagination, this is a good time to try and identify new
ways of working or behaving as a consequence of the change.
5. CHANGE
Now that the changed state has been accepted, the new rules understood,
and new relationships established, realistic plans can be laid. The ‘visions’
and ‘ideas’ from the acceptance stage being either laid on one side or planned
for in a hard-headed fashion. Now the future is accepted and positives will be
acknowledged.
The stages cannot
be avoided but they can also be suppressed. Suppression leads to anxiety and
anxiety leads to stress and its associated symptoms. Helping people near you to work through the
changes thrust on them by life can be one of the greatest services you can do
for someone.
You can also download a printable summary of this
MANAGER GUIDE by clicking on this link:
