In early 2022 I think we thought that we were starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel, and that maybe a look at cultivating resiliency could take a back seat to other matters for the time being. However, 2022 has been touted as THE year that people couldn’t wait to leave behind.

We probably do say that every year – but it seems to me that there was so much more turmoil in 2022. More than we have seen in a long time!

So – I want to share the Top 3 things that I think you need to get on top of with your team, here at the beginning of 2023, to get off on the right foot and help stave off whatever may come our way this year. I like to call it “bouncing forward.”

#1. Prepare Everyone For Change

I’m sure you are well aware that change can impact people emotionally. Sometimes, in a very real and visceral way – depending on the change and how it may personally affect the individual.

This can lead to absolute chaos among teams and wreak havoc on productivity!

As a leader, if you understand the natural cycle of change and have proven tools to help employees build a resiliency mindset and bounce forward, your teams will be more prepared to handle the constant change they are faced with and be able to choose beliefs, thoughts and emotions that serve them more effectively.

It’s also important, as a leader, to understand that individuals will need to process through things at their own pace. However, support from you will help them transition much quicker. It’s much like the mourning process. Everyone deals with it differently.

#2. Make Sure You Yourself Understand the Change

Before you lay any big change on your team, make sure you understand the change that’s needed and the impact it may potentially have.

Ask yourself – “How well prepared to accept the situation am I? How well informed am I about the situation? How well can I predict what’s going to happen?

Then, assess your team so you can anticipate responses. You may wish to incorporate a personality assessment or two to help you identify who is likely to have a soft landing and can champion others to acceptance, and who might become a detractor that you and your champion need to provide more support to.

#3. Adopt the Right Mindset For Yourself Regarding Change

During change – especially when it is more constant – your team is looking to you for solid planning, decision-making, communication, support and understanding.

Therefore, you have to get your own mindset right regarding change because it is inevitable. Here’s some tips…

• Practice mindfulness regarding your own internal barometer around how change affects you. As the saying goes – “Physician, heal thyself first.”
• Adopt a certain amount of excitement about change! Instead of seeing it as a bad thing look for the opportunities. Change can bring very positive transition! Then share this with your team. It will likely help ease any anxiety they may have.
• Seek support for yourself to help you work through things – so you can be that leader your team needs.

As you prepare for change I recommend that you get familiar with two different theories.

• VUCA. Stands for Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity and Ambiguity. Understanding VUCA will help you understand how change affects you and others. You can get more details here.
• Kübler-Ross Change Model. This model helps you understand the normal phases people go through when experiencing change. The more you know about what yourself and others may go through, the more you will be able to help your team.

Here’s to an amazing 2023! Let’s get it done, strong!