Change has a considerable psychological impact on the human mind. To the fearful it is threatening because it means that things may get worse. To the hopeful it is encouraging because things may get better. To the confident it is inspiring because the challenge exists to make things better.
– King Whitney, Jr.
Change management consultants often advise to “get the right people on the bus.” The idea is to make sure all workers support and commit to the organizational changes. But is this realistic? Change leaders frequently neglect to evaluate the potential and residual effects changes will create across departments, functional areas and individual workers. My research has found that workers who are most hopeful about the changes tend to burn out as the initiative progresses. They are “the right people on the bus” – but they become frustrated, angry then apathetic when the organization inadequately supports them in their efforts to change. Organizational change requires individual change and only 25% of organizations successfully change. Always consider the psychology of your workforce during a transformation. Strive to inspire their confidence through not only the desirability of the changes but also in the humanity and vision of your change leaders.
Working Wisdom uses my favorite quotes to think about work in a new way.
Dr. Geri Puleo, SPHR, is the President and CEO of Change Management Solutions, Inc., an eLearning and Coaching company focused on eradicating workplace burnout through the B-DOC Model. An entrepreneur for over 25 years, keynote speaker, author, blogger, business coach, university professor, and researcher, you can see her “in action” by watching her TEDx Talk on YouTube. To contact Dr. Puleo, please go to www.gapuleo.com.
A New Way to Work 