Change in the workplace is inevitable. Whether it’s a leadership or policy change, office move, or budget decision, workplace dynamics are constantly shifting. But even if change is a constant, it is almost always disruptive. To become more resilient during workplace shifts, consider the areas where you have control, then focus your efforts on things that can make a positive difference for you and your team.
Communicate
Communication is key to successfully navigating change. Of course, leadership has a responsibility to be open and honest about changes. According to the CEB Corporate Leadership Council, a focus on communication during change results in greater feelings of hope and pride, with lower levels of anxiety and anger. But communication needs to go two ways to ensure that feeling of goodwill remains.
Be willing to communicate concerns about change to leadership in a constructive way. In doing so, you may find yourself in a position to influence the change you want to see, opening up new leadership opportunities. Don’t be afraid to ask for more frequent check-ins with managers, and be ready to accept that they may not have all of the answers.
Be Flexible
No matter how anxious you may feel about a change, keep an open mind. Be conscious of any negativity bias you may have that leads you to look for problems rather than solutions. Maintain a willingness to adapt your thinking and actions in light of change. Things may feel more difficult for a time, but remind yourself of past instances when you’ve come to accept a “new normal” after an initial disruption. Look for the good that could come from this most recent change, and identify opportunities it creates for your own personal growth.
Stay Focused on the Mission
Keeping your head down and your heart focused on the mission of your daily work can help put change in perspective. Continue delivering for citizens and stakeholders, focusing instead on the big picture of your job rather than the minutiae of change. Doing so will also help you identify what constructive feedback you can take to leadership to show how certain changes could impact the organization’s mission. Conversely, quiet observation may lead you to find that the change has little impact on your day-to-day work or your ability to move the mission forward.
Prioritize Wellness
Acknowledging that change is hard is a key first step to weathering it. Find ways to be frank with yourself about your fears. Consider journaling to have a conversation with yourself — it can be a safe place to begin understanding your major sticking points. Share those points with trusted colleagues, then work with them to hone the constructive feedback and solutions that you can take to leadership. Additionally, work on building in wellness activities, such as a walk at lunch or stretches between calls. Outside of working hours, ensure that you are engaging in healthy eating and activities that support mental wellness.
Dealing with change in the workplace is a challenge, but it is also an opportunity for personal and professional development. By prioritizing communication, maintaining a positive mindset, and staying adaptable, change becomes easier to navigate and accept. Instead of fearing it, look for ways to use change to drive innovation and progress.
As the founder of GovEvents and GovWhitePapers, Kerry is on a mission to help businesses interact with, evolve, and serve the government. With 25+ years of experience in the information technology and government industries, Kerry drives the overall strategy and oversees operations for both companies. She has also served in executive marketing roles at a number of government IT providers.
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