Understanding and Coping with Change

Running Head: UNDERSTANDING AND COPING WITH CHANGE

Understanding and Coping with Change

Opal Shaw

Ashford University

BUS 610 (MF81307A)

P.J. Pardo, PhD

March 15, 2013

Understanding and Coping with Change

Change is a natural part of life, and everyone faces it at one time or another. Most of us are continually making small adjustments that reflect our changing needs or interest. How you react to a change may depend on the results you think it will bring. You may feel excited about change that involves a gain, such as a new promotion to a new rank. But you may worry about a change that involves a loss, to a new duty station, or you may find it much easier to make gradual adjustments than to face a sudden upheaval in your everyday life.

Accepting a sudden, unexpected change can be one of the most difficult challenges in life. You want to have control over the situation and make everything better, but no matter how hard you try, you just cannot control some things. A better way to cope is to accept an uncontrollable change for what it is. When you accept the reality that you do not have full control over what happens in life, then it becomes easier to cope. The best strategy for coping with change involves focusing on what you can control, and trying to let go of what you cannot change.

In today’s world, the most constant change is the workplace, and often it happens so quickly, before employees and management can mentally prepare. Keeping the workplace running effectively means helping employees cope with those changes as effectively managing the workplace within can help reduce counter productive behavior, improve the organization’s collaborative thinking, increase co-operation among colleagues and enhance customer – even in the midst of change and re-organization . Managers should be prepare in understanding the emotional landscape of change and be provided with the necessary tools to address issues. Communicate early by updating...