7: Managing change
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Reactions to change
It may be helpful to investigate the reasons why people
react the way they do during change. This will indicate any
potential implications and what tactics to adopt.
Shock, denial and self-doubt can be created by:
• Lack of understanding around why the change has
happened – “it doesn’t mean anything to me”;
• Not being fully aware of the implications of the
change – “I might lose my job” (therefore threatening
my safety and belonging needs);
• Realising the implications of the change – “My power
base will be taken away”, “I will have to work in a
different area and I will lose my colleagues/friends”;
• Lack of buy-in from team members to the change
either because it has been imposed or they ...