Change is an inevitable part of life and navigating it effectively can mean the difference between feeling stuck or growing. As a health and wellbeing practitioner, I’ve worked with many versions of the change curve, and while there’s often debate about which one is “best,” my feeling is that many models are effective at stimulating introspection, discussion, and planning.
One of the most well-known models, Elizabeth Kübler-Ross’s Change Curve, was initially developed to better understand and support people through the stages of grief. Most models include phases like denial, anger, exploration of new possibilities, and hopefully/ultimately acceptance and growth. It’s important to note that navigating change is seldom linear.
By contrast, it’s messy, unpredictable, and unique for everyone. Whether the change is something we invite, like going back to school or moving, or something thrust upon us, like organizational restructuring or a diagnosis, our mindset may be the best predictor of the outcome. How we come out on the other side of life’s storms may either leave us feeling vulnerable or invincible. As much as you may like to hit “fast forward” it’s often the process of navigating the turbulence vs arriving at the endpoint that serves as the catalyst for personal growth.
If you put a destination in your GPS, it will populate with several routes to the same endpoint; however, the journey itself will be unique pending what choices you make along the way and you may have to recalculate often.
Practical Tips for Navigating Change
Wherever you are on your personal change curve, these strategies can help you move forward:
- Discern Where You Are Now:
Take stock of your current status. Are you in denial? Anger? Or exploring new possibilities? Understanding where you are can help you identify what you need to move forward. - Let Your Values Be Your Guide:
Use your values and belief system as your compass. When you’re navigating uncertainty, they serve as your true north, helping you make decisions that align with what matters most to you. - Model Compassion—Including for Yourself:
Demonstrate empathy and grace to others, but don’t forget self-compassion. Change is hard, and giving yourself permission to struggle or take things one step at a time is an important part of the process. - Recalculate and Communicate Often:
If you’re supporting change within your organization, remember that people—whether employees, family members, or friends—need answers to three key questions:- What’s happening?
- Why is it happening?
- How does it impact me?
Clear, honest communication prevents speculation and builds trust, enabling people to move forward with confidence. Check in with yourself and your people often providing updates along the way.
- Be Present, Patient, and Persistent:
Change takes time. Be patient with yourself and others as you work through the process. Some days, simply keeping your head above water is an accomplishment. - Take the Next Step:
You don’t need to see the entire path to move forward. Focus on the next step you can take, even if it’s small. Sometimes taking that one step will reveal the next, and so on. Don’t let the fear of not knowing all the answers paralyze you.
Discussion Prompts
- Reflect on a recent or ongoing change in your life. Where do you see yourself on the change curve? How does acknowledging this position help you understand your needs?
- What are your core values? How can they guide your decisions and actions as you navigate this change?
- Consider your self-reflection and communication habits. Are you clear and transparent with others about what’s happening and why? How might improved communication alleviate stress for yourself or others?
- Think of a time when you took a step without knowing the full path ahead. What did you learn from that experience? How can it inform how you approach change now?
Ready to Embrace Change in Your Organization?
Navigating change effectively, whether personal or organizational, requires curiosity, empathy, communication, and a clear sense of direction. At Rudder Consulting, we specialize in helping leaders and teams navigate change with confidence and clarity. Our services include:
- Leadership Development: Equip leaders with the skills to model compassion, communicate effectively, and support their teams through transitions.
- Strategic Planning: Create actionable plans that align with your organization’s values and vision, providing a clear roadmap for change.
- Organizational Culture Transformation: Build a resilient, adaptable culture that thrives during times of uncertainty.
Change doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Visit Rudder Consulting to learn how we can support you in navigating change, fostering growth, and creating a stronger foundation for the future.
