Director of People at Virgin Voyages

Ranieh Rounce

In today's world, change is practically inevitable. Sometimes change happens in a planned, meticulous way, and in others, it can occur either as an external force (i.e., COVID-19) through an internal dynamic of organizational change or what we are bracing for, transformational technologies, such as AI and other automation. 

In any case, no organization can afford to stand still, and change management creates a fantastic opportunity for business development, competitive advantage, and success, even if initially met with resistance. 

As humans, we like predictability; in fact, we thrive on it. We get used to routines, people, and workflows, and when disrupted, it leads to resistance. 

But in an ever-changing, fast-evolving business environment, our mindset must shift to embrace change as a positive growth opportunity, and most importantly, help influence that change so it becomes a successful reality. 

1. Recognize Resistance and the Discomfort

There’s no way around it; resistance and discomfort are simply our natural response and feeling towards uncertainty. Recognizing this, encourages us to pause and think, why are we resisting the change and not advocating for it?  Acknowledging and accepting this fact reduces anxiety and changes perspective.  This propels you forward, and ultimately sets you up for success.

2. Tap into Your Strengths

Gather and assess the unique talents of your team and the broader organization and gain control. This enables you to take risks and learn from evolving opportunities that have great long-term benefits to your organization.

"As humans, we like predictability; in fact, we thrive on it. We get used to routines, people, and workflows, and when disrupted, it leads to resistance."

Transformation requires meaningful reflection, confidence and optimism – therein lies the art of leveraging your untapped capabilities to reach tangible change.

3. See the big picture

Bring forth the picture of the end state.  What does it look like? how will it improve the status quo? Seeing the end result will help you and others feel the benefit of the change and enable the influence others.  Concise communication of the end goal and transparency of the methodology will incent confidence in others and help ensure alignment.

4. Influence the change

Organizations that experience the smoothest transitions start education early and equip leadership teams to pave the way and become effective role models of change.

You can become a thought leader and positive role model by leveraging your passion surrounding a change in your organization.  You can create champions and ambassadors that collaborate through working groups to continue leading the change within the organization. 

And collectively, as we recognize our strengths, commit to a self-discovery process, build a foundation based on the strengths of the company and stakeholders, we move forward with trust and choose growth over comfort.  Because in the end we know one thing for sure, the only constant is change.  So, let’s embrace it!