I had several conversations with people last week at our Users Conference where they were experiencing change within their organization and the challenges that ensued as a result.  That got me thinking... every change requires people to pass through the grief process.  Recently, I read an article that articulated the stages in the grief process in a funny but accurate way.  I thought I might share this:

"I like to use the analogy of losing the keys to your car. For example think about a normal work day in your life. You arise at the normal time and go through your normal morning routine. As you ready yourself to head out the door you go to where you always keep your car keys. You are shocked when they aren’t hanging on the keyboard, in the key drawer, in your purse or coat pocket. You can’t believe your eyes. 
1. DENIAL – “No, it can’t possibly be. I know I put them right here last night.” You look everywhere! You check every nook and cranny in your home. You search your car. You go back into the house and look everywhere you have already looked! 
2. ANGER/BLAMING -- “It isn’t possible! My keys were just here! I never lose my keys. I take such good care of everything and I am always so careful.” You rant and rave that your keys can’t be lost and if they are, it isn’t your fault. It’s your stupid husband, wife, son, daughter, houseguest, cleaning lady, or dog. 
3. BARGAINING – “Keys, if you just show up I promise to be more careful next time.” You make a deal with God, the house ghost, or the keys themselves to be found so that you can be on your way. 
4. DEPRESSION – “I can’t believe I’ve lost my keys. I’m going to be fired, I am going to be demoted, and everyone is going to know that I am irresponsible and a loser. How could I be so stupid?” 
5. ACCEPTANCE – “Well, I’ve lost my keys. I’m going to be late for work. I need to make a decision on what to do next. I can and will deal with the consequences.” "

(taken from:  http://www.counselingforloss.com/fivestagesofgrief.html)

These are very real experiences that everyone experiences on a regular basis.  We can correlate that into the changes made within our organizations.  For example someone is getting ready to retire and they are reliquishing some of their responsiblities to another, most likely younger, person.  The person reliquishing these responsiblitys may be glad to be rid of them, but they still have to grieve the loss.  Some may percieve that they are less important now.  So how do we manage for this?  What might help this person transitioning to a new stage in life feel better about the loss?  

The same can be said when people are moved from one specialty to another.  They must grieve the loss of the old and get ready for the new.  Just like personal loss, time will heal much.  It is important to consider that everyone has a different timeline and that will also require patience from managers and owners.

I hope this was helpful.  If you would like a copy of a really useful article on "The Grief Involved in Change" please contact me carynm@boldgroup.com for a copy.