As a coach, a big part of my job is helping people navigate change. Maybe that feels as mundane as finding a new role or figuring out a new relationship with a manager, but often it’s much more. Change gives us the opportunity to transform. When something changes, new possibilities open and we can choose where we go next.
A basic framing for any change is asking yourself: What? So What? Now What?
What? Start by acknowledging what’s going on.
If there has been a reorg, for example, you may have to get your head around the facts of your place in the new organization first. Something has changed that has an impact on you. Squaring up with the event and acknowledging what happened. When I talk to people who have been laid off, there’s actually a stage of reckoning that happens first. By acknowledging whatever change has happened, you can re-orient yourself.
So What? What does the change mean to you?
During “So What?” you might have to sort out your scary stories from the facts. Scary stories might sound like “I don’t have the financial wherewithal to deal with this.” Or “My future at this company is dead”. Instead, take inventory of the facts. “I do need a budget and I probably need to cut spending in a few areas” or “Looks like my plans at work have been interrupted.”
By looking at the facts, you can get granular about specifically how this change impacts you. But as you do that, notice if you are leaving space for something new alongside the facts. It’s easy to take facts, making some quick logical and tidy assumptions and close the lid on new possibilities.
Now What? Take appropriate action.
The last step, “Now What?” is usually the part that we would really like to start with. Taking action and quickly making a plan gives us a feeling of control. But we’re avoiding the hard emotions or sorting story from facts so our plans may be based on a rickety foundation. Take the time to move through what happened in all of its messy complications before charging forth with a plan.
But if you’re able to orient and get clear on your facts, you will not waste energy or put yourself into yet another problematic situation. You’ll be able to take steps that are more impactful and aligned.
When things change, we have an opportunity for transformation - which can be a good thing. If we can work thought the initial shock or discomfort, take stock of the facts, we can open to what’s possible for us.
I wish I could say that three steps can be moved though quickly. If you can give yourself some time at the “What?” or “So What?” points to process and more deeply consider what’s happening, you’ll also be able to see more possibility in the actions you can take.
