How can we navigate the emotions of change?

Change is a process that naturally brings up emotional responses. Acknowledging and working through these emotions can be a process of self-discovery, requiring a mix of courage and curiosity to see us through to the other side.

In my work with two organisations in the midst of a large-scale merger, I have witnessed up close how personal change mirrors the complexities faced in organisational transformation. It’s a push-and-pull between the fear of uncertainty and the promise of potential.

Facing any major change in our lives stirs up any number of (often conflicting!) emotions. We might feel excited by the opportunities presented by a new beginning, then suddenly anxious about the nebulousness of that same situation. These feelings aren’t simply by-products, they are integral to the change itself, and we need to feel our way through them. The change might be minor or massive, and our emotional reaction might be proportionate, or not. Change often challenges our existing mental models – the stories we tell ourselves about who we are, what we can do, and how the world around us works – and shifting these mental models is an inherently stressful experience.

In the context of my work in this merger, it is essential to acknowledge and honour the plethora of different emotions being experienced by staff from both organisations. These emotions are a web of intertwined and ongoing experiences, not just an isolated event. People need space to be heard and feel valued and validated.

We can embrace change on a personal level through self-reflection, by asking ourselves what values drive us and how they align with the changes we seek. Change, whether personal or organisational, requires us to let go of old certainties and open ourselves to new possibilities. It's about setting intentions and being present with whatever emerges.

Ultimately, understanding that change involves both head and heart enables us to navigate it with grace. This alignment not only fosters personal growth but also nurtures resilience, allowing us to thrive amidst the complexity of change.