The Wind Drift: Change and Adjustment

From the Change Management Notes

The Wind Drift-the average direction of the wind over a period of time.

Bonifacio Global City BGC is a walking business district. Pedestrian lanes are in place in the squared blocks without any obstacles. On each block, there is a pedestrian traffic sign and a series of white strips painted on the street to mark a crossing lane. From the Net Lima Building at the 4^th and 26^th St, walk to Market Market towards the East is a leisurely 12 minute walk. To the St. Luke's Medical Center Global at the 32th St. towards North, it is a short 5-minute walk with interruptions at the blocks if the traffic lights flash red.

February when we moved in, walking back to Headquarters requires more effort because of the wind drift that blows harder as the day deepens creating a wind draft. Like going through change, adjusting requires effort and personal initiative to cope.

The Uniform. Here at BGC, front flat slacks, leather shoes, blazers, collared shirts, signature eyeglasses, slung IDs, laptop bag and highlighted streaks of hair are the distinguishing marks of the evolving artifacts.

You know these are artifacts because they are phenomena that one sees, hears and feels, visible products of the group, visible behavior of the group and organizational processes and easy to observe but difficult to decipher.

Welcome to change management.

New Faces. New laughter. Fresh Stories. Some familiar figures are gone. Habitual responses no longer show up. The group you coalesce with is either incomplete, with a new face or worst non-existent anymore. Whether elimination or elimination, what is certain is a new team lead has taken over understanding your operations and sliding in his reforms.

There is discomfort because it is an adjustment period. There is containment because the rules have changed. There is some sort of uncertainty because your area of influence is now an area of concern.

The feelings are normal. Acknowledge them.  Eventually driving forces will show up to transition you to the new norm.

New artifacts challenge your values. What new values prevail? What can you ride on? Which ones are challenges? Be aware. Tap on them. They are key in tiding you over.

In managing change, help let go of the past. Some proven steps: Prepare them. Acknowledge change openly. Compensate for the loss. Take a part of the old. Say info over and over.  Elaborate on the ending. Mark endings-show how it ensures continuity. Treat the past with respect.

27 Feb 2013