Ask the Coach - Getting Employees to Embrace Change
By: Merrill Pierce
Dear Merrill,
I work for a small company with 55 employees. I am currently a team lead and enjoy my role; however, the leadership has changed in the last two months and with that a shift in attitude and culture. There have been many positive changes to the business and how we operate but some folks are really having a challenge dealing with the differences and the speed of change.
My question, how do you get employees to accept and embrace change? I am very frustrated by the amount of time it is taking for some of my team to get on board.
Thanks for you help. – B
Dear B.
Change is inevitable and constant, but for some people it can be very challenging. One of the best things a leader/boss can do is to communicate openly and as transparently as possible. Try to ensure that people are equipped to become more resilient to the change by providing the tools necessary for them to continue to succeed.
Here are some steps that leaders can help employees, and themselves to better cope with and embrace change….
Help the company/organization continually prioritize change efforts and focus on the change initiatives that are the highest priority.
Recognize and talk about how change is both the beginning of something new and the ending of something that previously was embraced as a best practice.
Teach employees evidence-based techniques for managing stress, building resilience, and deploying coping skills in the face of high demands. Build organizational resilience, too.
Focus on building a psychologically safe culture in which people can take interpersonal risks by speaking their truths. Psychological safety is critical for candid conversations.
In my experience, the last step will help leaders at all levels understand the challenges and opportunities that exist throughout the organization, which in turn will help leaders be more effective in leading their teams through most change.
Best,
Merrill
We have the pleasure of joining forces with Merrill Pierce, a Professional Certified Coach (PCC) accredited by Corporate Coach U, and a member of the International Coach Federation (ICF). She is also an accredited member of Society of Organizational Learning (SOL), and an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mediator certified by the ADR Institute of Canada.
Merrill has spent over 20 years working at a number of Fortune 500 companies, of which 10 years were at the senior executive level. This background provides her with a solid and practical understanding of personal and professional issues, challenges, and concerns. Merrill is also a regular contributor to the media and has published several articles and white papers on business related topics.
Merrill is ready to tackle YOUR questions! Whether they are personal, or professional - she can anonymously answer your submissions, and help you navigate any relevant challenges occurring in your life. Doing so could help others in similar situations and scenarios. Merrill will also be presenting advice on relevant, general topics to help our readers. If you want to send a question to Merrill, please submit to askmerrill@gmail.com before the Monday of each week (otherwise your question may be held til a following week!).
