Individuals: what can you do to deal with change?

This of course depends on how much control you have and how much tolerance you have for uncertainty.  But the worst thing to do would be to ignore what is happening around you.

Talk to your manager, colleagues and friends and ask questions about what is happening and discuss what the goals and benefits of the change are

Clarify your uncertainties about the future; you may have anxieties and worries, try and bring to the surface the cause of your concerns.  Ask yourself:

• What am I predicting or expecting?
• How can I find out whether my prediction is right?

Living with uncertainty ^[1]

We all have different levels of tolerance to uncertainty – first do what you can; if there is something you can useful do, then do it.  Once you have done what you can – for example discussed the changes with your manager – then resist the temptation to continue to search for something else to do.

Then deal with your reactions to uncertainty:

• Recognise that the uncertainty exists; it may be unpleasant and distressing, but it should be acknowledged.
• Normalise your life and be reasonably selfish; keep doing the things that you usually do, in the way you usually do them. Look after yourself well when you are going through a difficult time – just as you would look after someone else.
• Don’t cross too many bridges – keep the problem in perspective and don’t jump to conclusions about what might happen.
• Ask: 'What good might come of this in the end?'  Change might feel unpleasant but it can be a chance to develop new skills or overcome old anxieties.

^[1] P187-189 ‘Manage your Mind’ Gillian Butler and Tony Hope Oxford University Press 2003