3-Step Playbook for Smooth Transitions in Your Organization.
When was the last time you moved? Not just houses— but mentally, emotionally, professionally? New job, relationship ending, entire new country? I just moved into a new apartment. Objectively, it’s fantastic: more space, ocean views, friendly neighbors, and a huge desk perfect for creativity. Yet, it feels unfamiliar. Uncomfortable. Even wrong. I’m craving the comfort of my old place. Change feels wrong at first—not because it’s actually wrong, but because our brains love familiarity and predictability.
🧠According to neuroscientists, our brains are wired to resist change. The amygdala, the part of our brain responsible for processing fear, sounds the alarm whenever we step into the unfamiliar. It’s designed to keep us safe—but not necessarily happy. Trying something new requires energy, effort, and a leap into uncertainty. There’s no guarantee it’ll work out. So, we cling to what we know, even if it’s not serving us. And we resist changing things – even when the change is undeniably better.
Now, imagine this discomfort magnified daily at work – you come to something new every day! You aren’t always told all the details. And yet expected to lead! Welcome to work, dear middle manager. With AI reshaping businesses at a dizzying pace, managers constantly juggle new responsibilities, skillsets, and expectations. According to a recent article by HRM Asia, middle managers are increasingly overworked, overwhelmed, and under-supported.
Here’s the real cost:
- Poorly managed transitions lead to increased stress, burnout, and turnover. It can cost companies millions annually in productivity loss and rehiring costs.
- Successfully navigating these transitions, however, can significantly boost innovation, employee satisfaction, and profitability.
🦋Here’s a research-based framework that helped me find peace in 15 countries I’ve lived and worked so far. It’ll help you to lead people (and yourself) through more enjoyable change:
1. 😩Expect discomfort. Feeling off at first is normal. Whether it’s adapting to a new AI tool or shifting responsibilities, remind your team it’s okay—and temporary.
2. 🧐Find the good. Highlight positives immediately. More efficient workflows? Reduced manual tasks? Increased team agility? Point them out and celebrate small wins.
3. 🏠Create familiarity. Integrate routines that offer comfort amidst uncertainty. Weekly check-ins, shared coffee breaks, or familiar team rituals create stability even when tasks shift rapidly.
Managers, ask yourself:
- What’s feeling uncomfortable right now about changes driven by AI? (It’s normal to NOT like change)
- What good can I highlight immediately for myself and the team?
- How can we create familiar routines, rituals, familiar “wrapper” to support the team through ongoing newness?
Change won’t slow down—but how we respond to it will help us grow and enjoy it more.
Warmly,
Angela 🌱 Helping You Thrive Through Change
PS: Struggling with relentless change and AI overload? Our tailored training equips middle managers to lead change effectively—focusing on AI-readiness, fostering a growth mindset for innovation, and balancing work-life integration to prevent burnout and change fatigue. Curious how it works? Let’s Talk
