Change! Hmm, please don’t get me started. What change? Is it “change” or “chains”? Is it a change for the better or for worse? Well I don’t have the answers but time will tell. I only know of change that was defined by ‘The Cambridge dictionary’ as “to make or become different”. Change could be about creating something new, a breakthrough, or a solution, all of which require a disruption in the status quo. That popular maxim “the only constant thing in life is change” can’t be for nothing. Yet we hardly embrace change because it is disruptive, painful and filled with uncertainties.

You see, we live in a world that has times and seasons. There is a time to sow and reap, a time to scatter and to build. We should always remember that in order to build anything you must first of all scatter, so when it looks like everything is falling apart- it actually is coming together.  I must admit it isn’t always easy to transition from one season to another even in the best of circumstances. Is it a coincidence that flu is always more prevalent around the transition from one season to the other? Even great blessings can bring difficult transitions; having a baby, starting a new job, even marriage.  Marriage comes with changes too, a change of name at the very least (for females), a change of homes, cities, friends and the rest… Go figure!

If we look at change with a different pair of lenses it could help us transition seamlessly, if we see it as positive then we will be enthusiastic about it but if we see it as negative then we will definitely resist it.  The problem we often have with change is that we keep looking for a “plug and play”, off the-shelf, “one size fits all” solution for managing or integrating change, but this is never possible because of the nature of change itself some changes are similar but never the same. My dad always says “no two Mondays are the same”; the fact that it is a Monday doesn’t mean the encounters of the day will be identical. There is never a perfect fit between what has worked before and what will work in the present situation. Every change situation is unique. Notwithstanding, there are basic principles to follow to address change both as a leader and as the receiver of change. How we lead or cope with change is very important because it impacts the outcome.

Leading change

As a leader you have a huge role to play, once the need for change has been identified, whether it’s a change in strategy, cultural change or change to policies and procedures, you must translate your ideas into objectives and communicate your vision to your subordinates. Unfortunately, this is where many leaders fail.  Here are a few tips that can help,

1. Buy-in – It is important to get buy-in of subordinates to successfully implement change. To generate buy-in you need to appeal to and engage people’s heart as well as their mind. Sell your vision by showing the benefits inherent in the change. This is where your visionary leadership skills come in- you need to be like the “Steve Jobs”, make everyone believe its apple or nothing. If you are charismatic you will garner all the support you need. If you are not and you fail to surround yourself with a knowledgeable team, then God help you!
2. Communication – Oh! This is a huge task. The importance of integrity, clarity, and effective communication cannot be overstated during times of change. Do not mince words or sugar-coat reality. Say it as it is, people are mature enough to handle good and bad news. The worst thing you can do is to remain silent because it leads to speculations. You need to constantly keep everyone informed with the progress and the victories you have achieved along the way.
3. Goals- Clearly define goals and expectations. If you say you’re going to do something, make sure it gets done. Do not make unrealistic promises; it leaves room for mistaken belief and disaster.
4. Ask for Help -It is okay to admit you don’t know it all. Showing vulnerability as a leader can be an effective tool. It makes your followers empathetic because they will realise you are only human.  Don’t be afraid to ask for help and ideas.
5. Have a definite road map: It’s the leader’s job to set a clear vision for how to get the job done. This includes the road map, the rules, the processes the deadlines etc. This section needs a lot of thought and strategy; this is where the ideas and help requested for come into play.
6. Reassurance – Tell your followers it is going to be ok. Everyone needs a little encouragement once in a while; it also shows that you have empathy and you are humane. If the change involves pay freeze you should reassure people that after the benefits of change materialise there will be a pay rise and keep your promise. 

Accepting Change

Whether we like it or not, change is inevitable, and that fact that the world and Nigeria specifically is going through a period of change is a no-brainer. Lots of people are preoccupied with how the change affects them and are worried because they aren’t so sure of the direction in which the wind of change is blowing. Elisabeth Kubler-Ross in the book “Death and Dying” identified five different stages that people go through during period of change. They move from denial to acceptance but the duration of each stage varies in each individual.

DENIAL: “I’ll believe it when I see it.” “This won’t affect me, my group.”

ANGER: “How could they do this?” “Didn’t they know this would happen months/years ago?” ”Who is responsible for this? ““Why do I have to suffer for someone else’s sins?”

BARGAINING: If we are willing to do X, would the government/company give me Y?

DEPRESSION: “I don’t see how this will work.” “This thing is a sham.”

ACCEPTANCE: “I can see how this will work.” “I can’t believe we didn’t do it ages ago.”

How do we cope with change?

Discern the change in season – First of all realising there is a change in season is vital. All isn’t doom and gloom. Change begets opportunities. it could be a time for your expertise and talents to come into play. It could mean taking time off work to get a degree; it could mean learning a new strategy, becoming a new person etc.

Don’t be afraid – Change involves disrupting the status quo therefore we become scared of the unknown, we become frantic about the challenges it would bring and then end up being defensive or resistant. This is only natural but if you remain in this state for too long you could miss the benefits the change will bring, you need to motivate yourself and keep hope alive. Remember what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.

Let go – Letting go of the past is very difficult, sometimes letting go means giving up your rights /position, pay, status etc. Whatever it is, just let it go. Sometimes we hold onto dead relationships, dead businesses even dead equipment, because of the pleasures it once gave or the vacuum its absence would leave behind; we forget that we have to let go of the old to get the new.  I am a relentless optimist and I believe in a bigger, better and brighter tomorrow. I’d rather forgo something today and gain tomorrow than the reverse.

Embrace Opportunities – During change, there is usually a release of creative ability. If you sit and think long enough you will realise an idea will spring up that helps you find a way. It’s a time to ask questions “how can I fix this?” “how can I make the best of this?”, and “what am I supposed to learn from this?”

It is a time of change, positive or negative? You decide!

We are living in a fast paced world where what is trendy today becomes extinct tomorrow. The world is also very reactive and uncertain; I wish I had a genie or a magic wand to fix problems but unfortunately I don’t. Truth be told, life has no success formulas so no matter what season you are in now—and no matter what the next season has for you—be encouraged.  Seasons will change, winds will blow, and tides will ebb, but remember you have what it takes and above all everything will turn out just fine.

Denny Iyallah
London United Kingdom