What to Do When Overwhelmed by Change Reflect Forward

These past few weeks have been intense! We are going through so much change at StoneAge that I am feeling it – I typically handle significant change well, but I have never been so happy for Friday to come as I was this week! So, for this week’s episode, I want to share my thoughts on what to do when you are overwhelmed by change. It’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed – you are of course human – but as a leader, you must work through it effectively, so you can lead your team well. It’s okay to acknowledge your feelings. It’s not a sign of weakness; it's a critical step towards effective leadership and organizational resilience.

Here are five strategies for business leaders to navigate through the waves of change:

1. Embrace Vulnerability
Admitting to oneself about feeling overwhelmed by change is pivotal. It's a form of vulnerability that can be a significant leadership strength. It fosters authenticity, which cultivates trust among team members. When leaders are honest about their challenges, it encourages a culture of openness and support, vital for navigating through turbulent times.

2. Prioritize Self-Care
In the hustle of managing organizational change, leaders often neglect their well-being. Self-care is not a luxury; it's a necessity for sustained leadership. Regular physical activity, adequate rest, and mental health support are essential. A leader who is well-rested and mentally sharp is better equipped to tackle challenges and make strategic decisions.

3. Seek Diverse Perspectives
Change can be complex and multifaceted, often requiring more than one viewpoint to understand fully. Leaders should actively seek diverse perspectives, both within and outside their organization-consulting with team members from different departments, seeking advice from mentors, or engaging with industry peers. Diverse insights can lead to innovative solutions and help leaders see the bigger picture.

4. Delegate and Empower
No leader can, or should, handle everything on their own. Delegation is not just a means to manage workload; it's an opportunity to empower team members. Entrusting tasks and decision-making to others can foster a sense of ownership and accountability within teams.

5. Give it Time
Adapting to change is not an overnight process; it requires patience and perseverance. Recognize that both you and your organization need time to absorb, understand, and implement changes effectively. Rushing through transformations can lead to half-baked strategies and burnout. Set realistic timelines and milestones, and celebrate small victories along the way. This gradual approach helps in building momentum and ensures that the change is sustainable in the long run. Enduring change is a marathon, not a sprint.

The Importance of Leading Through Change
The ability to lead through change is about navigating the current landscape and preparing the organization for future challenges. Leaders who manage their overwhelm effectively can maintain clarity and focus, essential for strategic planning and decision-making.

A leader's skill in handling change well is crucial for their success. Forbes reports that 31% of CEOs lose their jobs for failing to manage organizational change well. And Gartner says that an astonishing 73% of employees impacted by change report that they experience moderate to high level of stress.

The acknowledgment of overwhelm and the proactive steps to navigate through it are not merely about survival but about thriving in a world of perpetual change.

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