Processing Through The Change Narrative
Are things always changing or never changing? We often have a perception of change. Your perception of what is happening is based on your change narrative.
In New York City the turnover of the small business establishment or street vendor in SoHo feels like it is constantly changing. And yet, to the unknowing or uncaring, SoHo is exactly the same as it was twenty years ago.
In rural America, farming and agriculture are arguably rapidly changing because of technology, and yet, the urban visitor sees the fields of corn or wheat as a step back in time.
Change is always about the narrative. The perception that is created by the conversation will stimulate the feeling associated with change.
Never changing or always changing is relevant to those existing within that community or system. It is about the narrative.
Your Change Narrative
What is currently happening in your workplace may feel completely different from last quarter, or it may feel exactly the same as five or ten years ago.
It may be better to consider, what image is the communication creating? How are things different today from one year ago, or three?
The speed of change is relative to the feeling about its necessity.
When a business is sold and new ownership takes over everyone is looking for what will change. The anxiety is a form of nervous energy. Quieter, yet hurried.
Quiet because people want to stay low and not attract a lot of attention until it is viewed that attention is important. Hurried because appearing that your contributions aren’t constructive and required is viewed as the first step for losing your spot in the system.
The change narrative surrounds everyone, in every community, workplace, and system. Others may not see it, but is always present.
-DEG
Dennis E. Gilbert is a business consultant, speaker (CSPTM), and culture expert. He is a five-time author and the founder of Appreciative Strategies, LLC. His business focuses on positive human performance improvement solutions through Appreciative Strategies®. Reach him through his website at Dennis-Gilbert.com or by calling +1 646.546.5553.
