The map is not the territory but, God, it helps!
Lacking clarity is one of the first obstacles to change. We face the unknown every single day, but we tend to approach life in very small steps that allow small room to chaos. We try to predict outcomes and we plan in consequence. However, there are moments when we don\’t really have a clue. We\’re totally lost and are not sure about what the next steps are, what we might need or how to ask for help.
Changes are not always voluntary and easy. When we feel forced to change we might feel we\’re losing something. This model, based on the Kübler-Ross model of transition dealing with loss, considers the productivity and morale that will go down during the change process and will go back to normal once that the team/person are committed again to the change. Of course, the different stages are not rigid, and may vary in duration for different people.
![\"personal](\"http://www.gembapantarei.com/personal%20change%20curve.png\")
However, the curve is not so simple, it usually looks like this: ![\"\"](\"http://www.connectingforhealth.nhs.uk/systemsandservices/icd/informspec/careerplan/phi/personal/learningweb/leadership/change/transition.jpg\"){kind=spacer}
© 2000 / 3 JM Fisher.
Most of the change management model talk about this curve. Project Managers and Change Management specialists know that more than 70% of the change initiatives will fail if they don\’t have enough support through change.
We know that people may move from anxiety to hope or happiness and then descend into fear, guilt and sadness because of the loss, and that these feelings will probably hinder the change process.
Each person may experience different emotions at different pace. Each change process is also different. Depending on what is happening in their lives, people may start another curve and go deeper in these negative emotions.
Understanding the process makes easier going through it. This is why is important to reach out for help or at least support when we\’re dealing with difficult changes in our lives.
In a future post, we\’ll discuss how to move through the different stages and how to move forward to acceptance instead of staying stuck in depression or hostility.
But, for now, remember that you\’re not alone. If you\’re feeling sad, lost or unaccomplished, or think that you won\’t see the light at the end of the tunnel, you need to remember that each project that is worth doing, takes time, energy and courage.