8.3.3 Emotions accompanying change
Observing emotions displayed by individuals gives you a good indication of how they think and feel about the change. Following are some typical responses to imposed change:
- disbelief
'Just a rumour...isn't definite. I've heard this before'. - annoyance
'What a pain in the neck...' - avoidance
'I bet I can figure a way around this'. - disappointment
'I can't believe what I'm going to have to learn'. - transference (blaming)
'How dare they'. - despondency (giving up)
'It's hopeless; there is no way I can do this'. - hostility and sabotage
'We'll show them what a bad idea this change is'. - resolve (acceptance)
'Since I don't have any choice I'll go along with it'. - optimism
'I can learn a lot from this; I'm going to make the most of the situation'.
You'll be better off knowing
Do not resist change; it is external...Have the courage to take risk; it is essential...The energy of taking a risk also creates an energy which seems to attract other people to help you to achieve your goal.
Dr Karl Johnson, Senior Minister, Neighbourhood Church , Palos Verdes , California .