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Packaging Horizons
The Five Phases of Change
By Christine Corelli
It can be helpful to understand the basic five phases that most people experience in adapting
to change whether it is a new role they must play, a new skill they must learn, a merger,
restructuring, new management, or a new way of doing things. We've heard the old adage before,
The only constant is change. Yes, change is inevitable, but it doesn't have to be agonizing.
Knowing how most people react will help calm the stress that comes with change.
1. Resistance
Most people are basically creatures of habit. They may resist change because it can mean coming
out of their comfort zone and perhaps risking failure. You can recognize resistance easily as people
will criticize, complain, withdraw, or become unsupportive of others. There may be loud vocal protests,
or they will appear to do what they have to do to keep their jobs, but they will not do more than is required.
2. Uncertainty
Most individuals will be uncertain about their ability to do what has been asked of them. They may be concerned
with whether they will be able to perform and may be having difficulty with new procedures, technology, or skills
they must learn. Worse, they will suspect that perhaps their jobs may be on the line. Some will express negativity
as to whether the changes that have been made will really benefit the company. They may wonder What's in it for me?
Productivity may be reduced and creativity hampered.
3. Assimilation
As people begin to move from resistance to assimilation, they begin to gradually implement change. Slowly they
begin to try. They cease complaining and begin to adjust to what is required. Unfortunately, moving from resistance
and uncertainty to assimilation does not occur overnight. The one factor that often is overlooked when implementing
change is the time needed to learn. All change takes time.
4. Integration
Integration occurs when people have begun to accept the changes. Confidence builds while learning and adjustments
have taken place. They may make suggestions to help.
5. Acceptance
Acceptance is the final stage of adaptation to change. You will be able to see that when people have reached the
acceptance stage, they appear less stressed and become more supportive.
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Christine Corelli is a speaker, author, and consultant from Christine Corelli & Associates, Inc. Corelli is the author of Wake Up and Smell the Competition, They're Closer Than You Think How to Compete and Win in Today's Real World. To order, call (888) 281-5170 or visit www.christinespeaks.com and join thousands who subscribe to Corelli's Clips,a free e-mail newsletter with ideas and real-world solutions to problems plaguing today's businesses and business people. When ordering the book or Corelli's Clips, please use the code WMPKG.
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