Emotional Reflection: The Stages Of Change In The Workplace

I call these “waves” or “stages” of change and point them out here because they are applicable to any situation where trauma, loss, or unwanted Change is occurring.

Examining these stages of emotional reactions will provide insight into the grieving process so that, when you experience loss you won’t be stunned by what you are feeling. You will be able to acknowledge that this experience is necessary as a first step in recovering and moving forward toward a bright future.

Anticipation

In most of the experiences that have been shared with me about the workplace over the years, the fact that Change was brewing or that a Change had occurred was just NOT a surprise. Not at all.

Most people receive a warning sign of some sort. I'll

I arrived the week prior to the announcement of the closing to the employees. Everything seemed “hush-hush.” Only the plant's most senior managers and Human Resources staff had been told that the company's headquarters had decided to close this plant. They asked me to consult to the management to minimize the likelihood of violence and negative local press.

In our first meeting, one of the managers commented that the “secrecy pact” was working quite well. They were sure that no one in the plant knew of the impending closure. I was quick to point out, however, that if this was not already the subject of rumor and mounting anxiety, this would be a first in my experience. I cautioned the management to be aware of signs of stress at all levels (including among themselves) and to move ahead without delay.

Several days later, a meeting of all employees was called with only a minimum of notice. As the employees filed into the makeshift auditorium, I sat in the back row and listened carefully. I knew that I'd be able to gauge the crowd's collective emotions and, thus, be more helpful to the entire group with that

You didn't ask to be put into this situation, so you will naturally feel resentful. Don't let it alarm you. You're just like all of the rest of us.

When you are feeling dazed and confused by the chaos you once called your life, you will likely look for a culprit to blame for causing you all this misery. Ah, the Blame Game! I see this happen every single time an organization undergoes a major change. People are quite predictably unhappy with the change. And, invariably, there is a loud and sure voice that rises from the group to identify WHO is at fault (usually found circulating in The Gossip Mill, the hot topic at the water cooler). Yep, it happens every time. If it hasn't surfaced yet in your organization, just wait.

Although anger is ever so predictable, it is rare for anyone to act upon that anger in any overt way. I think the real danger is that the rage blinds people, making them unable to see what options are available. Rather than taking advantage of benefits, training, placement and career development that might be offered by management, the affected employee declines the help because he or she is just too "frosted" to accept anything from the perceived