The one certainty in life that will never change, is that there will always be change. Whether it is a job role, organisation, car, connections or where we are located, change is inevitable! I have definitely experienced times in both my personal and professional life where change has been wonderful, expected and fully embraced. The types of changes which seems like a step up, progress and movement outside of our comfort zones. Or the changes that we have desired for a long time and, or worked really hard for. And I have also experienced change that had the opposite effect.
It is often thought there are three types of responses to change, I used to say three types of people, but the reality is we all to some extent manoeuvre across the three responses, so let’s stick with that frame. The first response is that we love change, run towards and embrace it, often because we are energised by it.
The opposite end is that we resist change, possible even hate it. It is stressful, painful unwelcome and a season we would rather not go through.
Then there is the response in the middle, where we accept that change is inevitable, and find a strategy to navigate through it. The belief is that change is unavoidable and rather than spend emotional or mental energy challenging it, you just accept it.
I recently had significant change in my family, moved house, joined a new church and started a new associate role. Phew! it was a tremendous about of change, and it all happened in two months, suffice to say I have gone through range of thoughts, feelings and learnings.
I have been reflecting on what I have personally found helpful as I have navigated this season of significant change, and an overarching consideration has been my mind-set. The reminder that this is all brand new and to posture myself as a ‘learner’ in this new season. I am learning to embrace a new family dynamic, learning how to set up my new home, and all the interesting aspects that brings. I am learning to settle into a new community and also learning the culture of all of a different organisation. The acknowledgment that there is a lot of learning is key, and also that learning is a process with multiple layers. Mistakes happen when we learn, and yet it can also be a joyful experience.
Alongside considering my mind-set, communication has been key. Communicating what has gone well, and also where more support is needed. Family and close friends have been incredibly helpful and a significant part of my support network. We must learn to be honest and also remain hopeful for a positive outcome.
Flexibility has also been important. I, maybe like you, am a planner. In fact, I absolutely love planning and take great delight in managing and organising the logistics of my life and business. Yet, plans do not always work out in the way that we would like them to. As such flexibility is crucial, but not begrudgingly, instead understanding and accepting that there are many factors outside of our control.
Now for some, they will fully relate to this next point, but not all. That is grief. Accepting that sometimes
during change and transition we grieve for what has been, what was and also for what will never be. And that is okay. As people we are relational and lives are interconnected, as such when change involves leaving teams and places, it can often bring with it a sense of loss. And loss needs to be acknowledge and processed.
For whatever change you are facing or about to face, take it one day at a time and remember that on the other side of that change might be something incredible. The final change that I will today share is that this will be the last of the Elevate blogs. The business priority is now focused on Coaching and Training for leaders, teams and also professionals ready to develop their public speaking skills. Thank you for being part of the journey and all the very best in the future!
Francesca McDowall, February 2025