Thinking about Organizational Change

When Deidre stopped by my office to drop off “The Stress of Organizational Change” a book, I thought, “oh boy!” She assured me it was an easy read, and it was. I finished it in less than 30 minutes and saw it as a call to action.

First, it reads like a tough love, 12-step affirmation handbook. It is a self-inventory of one’s position in the workplace and how old behaviors play out in an organization that has refocused itself. Yes, there were several items in which I had to say to myself, “oh boy I need to change that.” However this tiny book does not leave you hanging; it informs you with some stern advice on how to remove “stinking thinking” and move towards a practical, positive way to rid the stress that accompanies organizational change. So in other words, as the organization changes, so does staff behavior. One cannot stay stagnant in order to achieve success.

This book provides a crossroads: Either we change the way we think/act about our work in a changing environment, or we don’t. Not the best plan. What happens is that the changing and newly focused MFH will pass by those who don’t shed some ineffective behaviors and embrace a new philosophy. Besides, discarding old behaviors allows a new sense of clarity, is less burdensome, frees up energy and increases morale. Ah, the promised land.

So take some time and find out how imperfect we all are. But take stock: we are in this together. Read the book and adopt what it says.

See you in the Promised Land.

Thomas A.