The ManicaPost
Kudakwashe Melisa Kapesa —
Dear Melisa
I have been working at a certain reputable NGO. Currently I hold a junior position and recently a new management team was selected.
My problem is that the ideas and the new changes that they are coming up with are too drastic and recently a number of dedicated co-workers were retrenched all in the name of change! I fear I am next because I am finding it hard to cope and adapt with all these changes.
Yours MZ
Dear MZ
I understand your situation fully, but, however, I will not advise you blindly that if you do this you will not get retrenched, but my today’s article is dedicated to help you and others on how to cope with change at the workplace!
My dear, change is happening, change is everywhere and change is inevitable! Even in life, one should be able to cope when things change because such is life! Even if there is a new management team, you should be at a position where you can function well and work hard in the area that you are in.
Moreover, change comes with new opportunities for growth and as you mentioned, you are currently at junior level, therefore see this change not as an obstacle for you, but as a stepping stone to greater heights.
Last time, the focus was on how to become a good leader at your workplace and the qualities a good leader should possess.
Thank you for the feedback, I value it very much, continue emailing me on [email protected] or send me a text message on 0719211806.
Today, our focus is on change management. With the business environment experiencing so much change, employees must learn to be comfortable with change. Change is inevitable and necessary in order for businesses and organisations to survive and thrive.
Sometimes change can be imposed on employees and with that may come changes to their immediate boss, team, work priorities and even changes to their role.
So one must learn to overcome fear and embrace the changes ahead. Therefore, the ability to manage and adapt to organisational change is an essential ability required in the workplace today.
- First Remove Fear
The oldest and strongest emotion of mankind is fear, and the oldest and strongest kind of fear is fear of the unknown.” (H.P. Lovecraft). Fear of the unknown is something that affects almost everyone in this life.
The what ifs, what if I don’t make it and like MZ who wrote to me, what if I get retrenched? To be honest fear and embracing change do not go hand in hand, you cannot fully embrace change if you still fear that same change, therefore do yourself a favour and remove fear.
- Be part of the change/part of the vision
Don’t just complain about change. Be part of it. Adopt an attitude of anticipation and excitement. Welcome change as an opportunity. Get involved in new committees and work teams. Be an influencer and driver of change at your workplace.
- Become Flexible and embrace change
Do not become a prisoner for change. Rather embrace it and move with it. If you are willing to become more flexible, people become more interested in working with you because nobody likes working with a rigid person.
I have seen a number of qualified intellects being turned down for a promotion simply because they are not flexible enough in their approach. Flexibility is the ability to use new solutions and new approaches when faced with an old stressor.
- Change your perspective of the change
The pessimistic reads opportunities nowhere, but the opportunist reads opportunities now here, they both read the same word but their perspectives differ.
Change might bring in uncertainty and anxiety but change also brings forth new doors of opportunities. Change is for the better or for the worse, depending on how you view it.
- Be viewed as an asset
Lastly continue working hard and sharpening your skills and talents. Be recognised as an asset within the organisation that you are in. Develop a sense of meaning and purpose within your organisation.
To conclude, sometimes, change that pushes us to the wall gives us the momentum necessary to get over the wall and see the great possibilities that are on the other side!
Therefore, MZ my dear and all my valuable readers, you are stronger than you seem, braver than you believe, and smarter than you think!
Therefore, fighting change, presenting a negative attitude or ignoring its meaning or importance will not bring you success. Rather become an intelligent, mature and self driven employee who manages their fear and looks for avenues to adjust to change and thrive in the new environment.
Kudakwashe Melisa Kapesa is a final year Psychology major studying at Africa University. She is an aspiring writer and motivational speaker. For your questions, comments and suggested topics, send a text message on 0719211806 or email: [email protected].
