There are always changes going on all around us. Sometimes, the changes others experience also impact us or those with whom we engage. How we handle change, particularly the communications around it, can have a big impact on how others react.
I recently read a post about handling a termination at work. It got me thinking similar situations I have faced. I went through a downsizing where we spent a great deal of time assessing and grading all of our employees. Then, we spent over two days comparing them across groups and deciding which ones we could keep and who would be finding another employment opportunity elsewhere. It was incredibly stressful. What was also hard was that we knew similar actions were going on above us. I do not think anyone enjoyed the process. I had to lay off one employee when we were through. I have followed him on LinkedIn since and know that things worked out well for him. One of the issues was what should be communicated to everyone else. I think it took a number of years for the organization to recover.
A few years ago, I earned a sabbatical at work. This was another period when changes were being considered. Although I was off work for eight weeks and was not supposed to check in, my manager called to tell me that the site at which I was working was closing down. I could transfer (although not back where I had started but to another location) or choose a lay off. After a lot of pondering, we chose the lay off. It was a good choice as I ended up in a wonderful position elsewhere just a couple of months later. There had been more open communication about the possible site closure, so this was not as stressful as the previous time.
Almost all of the work done in my church is done by members of the congregation. We are not paid for our efforts, and we generally don't volunteer. Our leaders prayerfully consider and then ask us if we will accept the position for an unspecified period of time. I have enjoyed some of my positions and some, well, not so much. My favorite was being in the nursery with the toddlers. When changes come, they are announced at the beginning of our meeting. In this way, the entire congregation is aware of the change. Usually, when someone is released from a position, someone replaces them at the same time. This allows for smoother transitions and usually less time for speculation on what is going to happen. However, as with a job, sometimes there is a lot of angst when people begin to speculate on what might happen.
In almost every situation, it seems to me that open communications for all things not confidential provides the best opportunity for a positive outcome. Within a family, it is easier for all to be involved in consideration for a move. It might only involve the parents if a job change is in the works. However, if it includes changing locations as well, you seem to get a better buy in from the rest of the family if they are also involved. If if is a job transfer, you may just have to go-but maybe everyone can be involved in choosing a new home or apartment, in which part of the new city, etc. Part of the issue with change is the feeling of powerlessness. Powerlessness equals stress. If you feel some degree of control and choice, the stress decreases.
Personally, when a major change is going on, I spend a lot of time in meditation trying to determine how best to handle it. I may visit the temple or fast if I feel I am not getting the answers I need. Generally, I get a confirmation that removes much of the stress. If we do not find a way to positively handle change, the stress will take a toll on our health. I allowed it to do so when I was younger but am glad I have learned better coping mechanisms since.
