Change Can Be Hard...So Practice Empathy!

Noticing when they are struggling with change - even when it's a change they want and need - helps leaders practice empathy!

My new computer set up is great...but it was hard to change even though I wanted it!

As you may already know, I’ve had a vision impairment for almost a year. It’s become harder to see documents on my laptop, so I decided to get a monitor so that words could be larger. That entailed getting a new keyboard, going back to using a mouse instead of my laptop’s track pad, and installing a new webcam.

Even though I tested out the set up in the store so I knew it would hit my target of being able to read more easily on the screen...that it would be better, than my current setup...I could still feel that nagging feeling of uneasy in the pit of my stomach.

And that is okay! Because I’m human, and change can be hard! Even when we want to make the change and know it will be better! Even if you're a leader, or a person who leads change often!

So, if something isn’t working well for you, and you find yourself dreading the change, here’s what to remember:

1. If you want things to be different - to have a different result - you need to change!

2. Change means actually doing things differently. As uncomfortable as that might feel in the beginning!

And, if you are a leader, or a person, like me, whose job is to help others change,please remember that changing something for yourself and feeling uncomfortable is a great way to practice empathy as well! Feel the feelings, pay attention to you thoughts and your reactions as you go through the change. Then, when others are struggling with change, you can remind yourself that they aren't deliberately trying to cause trouble for you, being stubborn or non-compliant, or not trying hard enough. They are simply being human, like you, and changing can be hard!

What have you changed recently that helped you practice empathy?