The process of change is something every single one of us will experience, whether it’s change you’ve initiated or change beyond your control.
When experiencing a major change, you’ll experience shock and surprise. This may be followed by denial- ‘this can’t be happening!’ This may lead to feelings of depression and lack of energy. You may feel anxious and experience low mood and morale.
Over time you start to adjust to the new reality, adapt and accept, try out new behaviours and approaches and -in most cases- integrate the change. But it’s often difficult, especially if you’re facing redundancy.
While you can try and rationalise change objectively, there is no escaping its emotional impact. Going through change is painful. The challenge is that everyone experiences and processes change differently. People vary in the length of time it takes to accept and integrate change. No one person’s experience will be the same. You may also swing back and forth through the different stages on the change curve a few times before accepting it.
I recall a meeting where Management explained that they were making changes to the organisational structure. In the new structure, the job role I’d held would cease to exist. I was reassured that I would have a role at the same level, though (inevitably) I would need to apply for one of the new roles. Rationally I could understand this- but my reaction? I was in floods of tears…it felt as though all the work I’d done in my current role was for nothing and my contribution wasn’t valued. Being told ‘it’s not you, it’s the role’ was of little comfort. I experienced it personally!
Over time, most will adjust to the new reality and start to accept the change, trying out new behaviours and approaches. You will eventually integrate the change into your life.
Managing change- what can you control?
If you find yourself in a situation such as losing a job, which is beyond your control, what can you do? Despite feeling powerless in this situation, there are still things you can do that will help you regain some degree of control.
Allow yourself to grieve and process the change.
It’s important not to bottle up your feelings. Give yourself permission to experience the inevitable emotions that accompany the change. Talk to those you’re close to and begin to process your feelings before you start making applications for new roles. If you’re still at the angry stage of the change curve, your negativity will leak out in interviews and won’t land well with the interview panel- even though your anger is entirely understandable.
What support will your organisation provide?
- Find out through your HR Department whether you can access outplacement or careers support to help you find another job.
- Can staff at risk of redundancy be considered for internal roles? Understand the process and how it works.
- Are you a member of a union? What advice and support can it provide?
- Who is in your network who can help or advise?
- Do you have a coach? Now may be a good time to request this support. If your organisation doesn’t provide this, investing in the help of a career coach will be money well spent.
- Do you have a mentor who can advise and support you?
- If you’re very distressed or depressed, does your organisation provide Employee Support Assistance or mental health support?
- N.B. You should be entitled to time off to apply for jobs and attend interviews.
What can you do to support yourself?
- Stay curious and keep learning. Investing in your personal and professional development will illustrate to a prospective boss that you’re keen to grow. Don’t wait to be sent on a course; you can continue to learn through reading books, listening to podcasts and accessing many free or inexpensive online learning courses.
- How visible are you? Are you well-connected and well thought of within your current organisation? Your sector? Do you have a network of people whose expertise and wisdom you can tap into?
- Is your LinkedIn profile up to date? The wider range of connections you have, the more likely people are to be able to help you. The better quality your profile, the more likely you are to be approached about opportunities. It’s important that your profile reflects the kinds of role you’re looking for. Your contacts will notice what you’re looking for and share this information with their networks. LinkedIn may suggest possible jobs to you. Or you may be head hunted.
- Is your CV up to date? Does your CV present your skills and experiences compellingly?
- Do you have a colleague in a similar position- are you able to support each other through the process?
The greater degree of control you exert in this situation, the more resilient you’ll become. The more resilient you are, the more your confidence will grow. This will will help you come across well at interview, increasing your odds of securing job offers.
However you experience change, reminding yourself that what you’re feeling is normal can provide reassurance. You will over time emerge through change stronger and better able to deal with the subsequent curve balls life throws at you.
When we are no longer able to change a situation- we are challenged to change ourselves. Viktor E. Frankl
See also my post on CVs.
