Whether we like it or not, change is an inevitable part of life. In the textbook Exploring Leadership by Susan Komives, Nance Lucas and Timothy McMahon, the main topic of chapters 11 and 12 is change. The two chapters explore the different aspects of change and provide information on how to understand change as well as provide strategies that help produce change.
Change can “bring about exciting possibilities, renewed energy and enthusiasm, and a deeper commitment” (Komives, Lucas, McMahon 329). Sometimes we accept the changes that occur in our lives, while other times we are resistant to it. According to Nancy Schlossberg, “a life change is difficult because it impacts one’s roles, relationships, routines, and assumptions about oneself” (Komives, Lucas, McMahon 330). In an attempt to understand how people react to change they are resistant to, Daryl L. Conner included three additional stages to Kubler-Ross’s five stages of grief. The following are the eight phases:
Phase 1 – Stability: the present state
Phase 2 – Immobilization: shock or paralysis to initial change
Phase 3 – Denial: change-related information is ignored or not accepted as reality
Phase 4 – Anger: frustration and anger as a reaction to change and often directed to those most-supportive of the change effort
Phase 5 – Bargaining: negotiation to avoid pending change, signifying that the person can no longer deny the change process
Phase 6 – Depression: a typical response to negatively perceived change, including disengagement and a decrease in physical and emotional energy
Phase 7 – Testing: regaining a sense of control and seeking out new ways to redefine goals
Phase 8 – Acceptance: change is responded to realistically, even though individuals may still be adverse to the change
(Komives, Lucas, McMahon 333)
During my freshmen year of college, I pledged for Beta Beta Gamma, a University of Hawaii-based sorority. Unlike nationally-based sororities, we did not have any membership dues to pay each month (stability). However, as sorority membership flourished, our finances that funded our events took a major hit. It was suggested that each member should pay semester dues and after analyzing the budget, the officers (myself included) decided that this was our best option. The Sisters were shocked by this decision (immobilization). Some argued that we never collected dues in the past and did not understand why they would need to pay any dues now (denial). A few Sisters even stated that they would be in-active if they would have to pay dues (anger). Likewise, some Sisters promised to participate more actively in fundraisers so that we would not have to have membership dues (bargaining). The officers stated that funds were needed at the beginning of each semester, which would require some sort of fundraiser during the summer and winter break. This was not ideal because many of the Sisters would not be on the island, and the group felt as though there were no other choice than to enforce the dues (depression). Thereafter, each Sister was required to pay a semester due. However, in order to cut the amount of the semester dues, we began planning for a big bake sale at the end of the semester (testing). The bake sale was a success and since then, we have continued to have a bake sale fundraiser each semester. While we are still required to pay a membership due each semester, the amount is manageable and the sorority is able to fund our events and socials (acceptance).
This is one example of how change that we are initially resistant to can eventually become positive. We all must accept and understand that life is full of unexpected changes. In other words, change is inevitable. I feel that we should all approach change as a learning experience because there is always a potential to turn a seemingly negative change into a positive one. So whenever you encounter a change that you are resistant to, please keep in mind that if you put your mind to it, you can successfully turn it into a positive change.
By: Joanne Allagonez
