Winning Team Systems - Reactions to Change
Typical Reactions to Change
While not every person will react the same when change is thrust upon them, there are four distinctive categories that these reactions will be related to.
A person's reaction to a change will be based on a variety of factors, including their experiences, education, upbringing and overall personality. A person may not react in the same way to two different change scenarios.
As a Change Leader, understanding these types of reactions can allow you to respond in an appropriate way, helping that person move through the four Phases of Change.
The Enthusiastic or Eager Reaction
This person enthusiastically supports and advocates for the proposed change.
A person with this reaction might say things like:
“It’s about time we did this.”
"This is great, we really need this."
The Pragmatic Reaction
This reaction is evident with an immediate basic acceptance of the change, seeing it as logical and sensible. A person having this type of reaction might also voice healthy questions and caution about the change.
A person with this reaction might say things like:
“I think the ideas are good, but it seems as though we haven’t really thought this through.”
"Have others already tried this and were successful?"
The Skeptical Reaction
Fearful or apprehensive of exploring new ideas and skeptical about change and the organization’s commitment to and ability to implement change.
A person with this reaction might say things like:
"We’ve never done this before so why start?"
"We've done this in the past and it didn’t work!”
The Traditional Reaction
Seeks stability and a return to the way things were in the past and actively or passively refuses to agree, follow or act upon the plans for change.
A person with this reaction might say things like:
“That’s crazy, we are doing things as best we can now. "I can’t take this on and do my other work, too." Besides, I don’t have time to learn a new way to do things.”