Are you one of those people who enjoys being scared? Do you start planning your annual haunted house tours and Halloween decorations months in advance? Do you love the idea of “fright night” at the movies?
Me? Not so much. I don’t have whatever gene it is that seeks out the gory, spooky-inspired, boogie-man type of scary…my scary gene is more the competitive, adrenaline-pumping, thrill-seeker type.
It’s fair to say we all approach “scary” in our own unique ways — what thrills one, terrifies another.
Embracing the Fear (of Change)
The season of ghosts and goblins eerily parallels our approach to change, and whether you love or hate it, change, like October 31, comes into our lives whether we’re prepared for it or not.
What can the traditions of this season teach us about the anxieties and excitement of your change transformation?
Haunted Houses: Entering the Unknown
It’s dark, there are creepy sounds all around you — you are on the precipice of stepping into a haunted house — not knowing what lurks around the next corner. With every step you take, there is the potential for a scare.
Embarking on a change journey can be just as nerve-wracking.
How can change leaders anticipate the thrill of transformation and navigate the twists and turns of change?
By being intentional. Facing change requires some preparation. Think of it as planning your route through the haunted rooms and navigating the terror-filled hallways. By assessing the situation, setting clear goals, and having a plan, you reduce the fear of the unknown and feel better prepared to tackle whatever jumps out at you.
The Full Moon: Illuminating the Path
Have you ever noticed in the movies, on a dark and scary night, the full moon always seems to be a bit mysterious? It always seems to be both hidden in thin cloud cover and casting slivers of light at the same time! Never able to decide if it wants to envelope the scene in darkness or illuminate the path forward for our esteemed heroes. It sets the mood for the scene.
Your change journey can be shrouded in ambiguity or abundantly clear. One thing is for certain, no matter the circumstances, it is imperative that change leaders provide purpose and direction. They must be able to articulate their vision to inspire others to adopt the change.
Trick-or-Treat: Embracing Uncertainty
I’m not sure who loves this tradition more, the children who come to our house seeking treats, or me, enjoying the creativity of every costume. Either way, we never know what awaits us on the other side of the door: will I see a child dressed up in something fun, gory, or aspirational? And from the child’s perspective: will I get a king-size treat, or a box or raisins (no offense to the raisins)?
Change can often feel like trick-or-treating. We face unknown challenges and uncertain outcomes, and while each experience may hold many surprises, there’s no denying they can add a little flavor to our journey.
Ghost Stories: Facing Our Fears
Sharing ghost stories around a campfire can fill us with unease and trepidation. But isn’t it reassuring to look across the flames and see your friends, knowing you’re in this together?
Change leaders and sponsors should prioritize transparent communication during a transformation by creating a space where your stakeholders can express their fears and concerns about the change. Offer support and guidance on what the future holds through a variety of communication channels and methods.
By addressing concerns openly and empathetically you can alleviate fear and build trust. Provide resources and training to support those who are struggling, ensuring no one feels alone in the dark.
Jack-o’-Lanterns: Cutting Through the Mess
Pumpkin carving is a quintessential Halloween activity where we transform a plain, orange gourd into an expressive jack-o’-lantern. This creative process mirrors how we shape our identities during times of change. It might get messy, it may take longer than we anticipated, but the result is a clear-cut approach, one that is uniquely ours, glowing with personality.
Pumpkin carving is more fun with friends and family, and, according to every horror movie, there’s safety in numbers, right?
Similarly, involving others (your change champions) throughout the process to gather input and be your change advocates will encourage participation and keep everyone engaged. This collaborative effort ensures everyone feels a sense of ownership — making the transformation smoother and more enjoyable — which will improve your change adoption metrics.
Costumes: Exploring New Styles
On Halloween, we get to be anyone we want — a witch, a superhero, or maybe a mythical creature is more your style. This playful experimentation provides an opportunity to step outside our comfort zones and try on different identities and new ways of interacting with the world.
Often a change brings about new business roles, new processes, and/or new ways of working together.
Leaders who encourage flexibility and adaptability in the face of change will foster a culture of exploration and create new opportunities for growth and innovation. Allow your team the chance to explore these new roles and ways of working in a safe, controlled environment.
Pumpkin Spice Latte: A Cup of Comfort
Change can be inherently scary. It disrupts our sense of normalcy and plunges us into the unknown. Like a warm beverage comforts you on a frigid day, find what calms you during stressful change. Maybe it’s a mentor, a peer, or a change management expert to help you and your team take a scary situation and turn it into a transformation journey filled with the sweet rewards (of success)!
Tammy Savage is a client-centric consultant specializing in organizational change management. She is passionate about equipping individuals and companies with strategies to build and execute their change plan, and she most definitely loves all things Autumn.