Change can be hard on people for many
different reasons. To mention only a few: many people dislike the uncertainty
that comes with change, they do not wish to let go off what they had and know,
and they fear loss of status and competency. When preparing for and
implementing change, leaders should be prepared for negativity from employees.
Here are some tips to reframe, discuss, and redirect negativity in a constructive manner:
1.
Make sure to provide sufficient,
timely, repeated, and clear information to decrease the chance of unnecessary uncertainty and confusion.
2.
Take time to address negativity one-on-one
and face-to-face rather than sending an email. It’s the interaction during
which you gain the best insight into what is bothering this particular person
and therefore:
3.
Don’t assume you know the reason for
the negativity. Refrain from premature conclusions and quick judgments. Ask
questions to dive deeper into the thoughts and fears of the person.
4. Avoid the trap of taking negativity
personal. It’s simply tempting for employees to direct their
fears and negativity towards a person, which can be their own manager or top
management. This may show itself as casting blame and finger pointing but remember, the negativity is almost always a rejection of the process and an expression of fear and loss of control.
5.
Ask the person: What is
it that you fear and what is it that you need?
6.
Inquire what the person expects and
needs from you specifically.
7.
Agree on clear actions, timelines and
a mutual understanding of how you will know whether the needs of the person are
being met.
8.
Be candid and clear about needs that can't be met or you believe to be unrealistic.
9.
If there are barriers to direct
and honest communication, address them and take measures to prevent them in the
future.
10.Make sure to
appreciate the candor, vulnerability, and transparency during the conversation.
Yes, all of this requires your time, energy, and
focus, which I know are in short supply. Yes it takes patience and perseverance
to tackle negativity. But remember, you don’t want to take short-cuts to
alleviate tensions superficially or temporarily. Whatever you don’t
tackle now and with care will haunt you later, multiplied by built up emotions and by interpretations
that have gone wild.
Lets
close this post with 20th century science philosopher Karl Popper:
“All life is problem solving”
