Mckinsey & Well Conclusion: Acknowledging and navigating the emotional complexities of change is crucial for effective transformation. By embracing the journey with understanding and empathy, we pave the way for meaningful progress.
The desire for immediate and painless transformation is common among most individuals. However, reality operates differently. Change is a gradual process, often accompanied by discomfort. It's important to acknowledge and embrace this fundamental truth in order to effectively navigate through changes.
When striving for change, we frequently outline an envisioned end goal, juxtapose it against our current state, and aim to swiftly and seamlessly bridge the gap in between.
Experience has shown us that this approach isn't effective. Any substantial change worth pursuing can't be reduced to merely closing a gap quickly. Never.
Why? Because change triggers an emotional journey, akin to a roller coaster.
The issue lies in our tendency to perceive change as a logical decision or design challenge: we're at point A today, aspiring to reach point C tomorrow, and we believe a simple step, point B, will suffice.
What often eludes us in this approach is the inherent loss within change. People require time to process this sense of loss. Change disrupts personal relationships, roles, and authority. Furthermore, change introduces uncertainty, anxiety, and a plethora of other feelings.
While we might wish to sidestep these emotions and expedite the process, avoidance isn't feasible. We must inevitably traverse the emotional roller coaster. Certainly, we can influence the extent to which emotions impact us, but sidestepping them entirely is implausible.
The silver lining is that this emotional roller coaster follows a discernible pattern. Scientific findings indicate that most individuals undergo similar emotional stages during times of change. While the exact models and number of stages may differ, the overarching framework remains consistent.
Take a close examination of the diagram and allow its essence to absorb. Notice how the commencement of change introduces loss, leading to reactions like denial, anxiety, shock, and more. The slope initially descends, culminating in significant stress.
Following this is a transitional phase, during which people begin to acknowledge the reality and inevitability of the change. Amidst this period of internal turmoil, the downward slope reverses, gradually morphing into an ascending trajectory.
Once this transitional phase concludes, the outlook becomes more positive. Creativity is unleashed as individuals contemplate solutions. After skepticism wanes, acceptance emerges, followed by impatience, hope, and ultimately culminating in renewed energy and enthusiasm.
For anyone tasked with facilitating change (which encompasses executives, leaders, managers, and entrepreneurs), I suggest committing this framework to memory or displaying it prominently. This constant reminder underscores the fact that change embodies an emotional roller coaster, prompting us to treat our colleagues and team members with care, empathy, and understanding.
