We can each react to change in different ways. Occasionally (probably rarely) we like it, but more often than not, we resist.

 

Recognise any of these?

 

• You question whether the change represents real change or a simple reworking of an idea – you’re a sceptic

 

• You reminisce, fondly, over bygone days – with a complacent resistance, a we’ve been here before attitude, based perhaps on an espoused reality of previous success within your sub‑culture

 

• You simply refuse to unfreeze, or to abandon beliefs which you’ve previously found comforting, and thus become unreceptive even to the idea of change

 

And in a world of work where change is coming hard and fast at us from many angles and turns, with a frequency we’ve probably not previously experienced, it’s natural that we’re perhaps more than a little fearful of change.

 

But with the privilege of working both 1:1 and in groups with people comes my simple observation that the sceptics, or even rejectors of change, can often be won over by something so simple, we sometimes overlook it:

 

Storytelling and examples of colleagues’ good practice showing that change can work.

 

Rituals and stories from within our own culture can be amongst the best self-publicity that an organisation could ever want to achieve.

 

So next time you’re helping someone transition through change, ask yourself:

 

• Who do we both know who’s been through this before?
• What story can I tell that describes a successful change process?
• What would be my best example of someone coming kicking and screaming into change, and getting through to the other side with a smile on their face?