Sleepless nights, flaky scalp, blotches breaking out on her skin… These were the stress symptoms my client experienced due to organisational changes at work. She had to reapply for her job, competing with four others for two positions. Convinced she would fail the interview; she experienced extreme stress.
The fear of change
Many leaders I coach share this fear when going through organisational change and the threat of a restructure and job loss. Their fears may have a different outcome, but they are fears, nevertheless. We thrive on routine and control. When faced with uncertainty about the future, we can have irrational thoughts about it and panic. Some of us feel insecure and powerless, imagining the worst possible outcomes. For my client, this meant homelessness, despite having no immediate financial issues. She feared she would lose her job, not be able to pay her mortgage, her house would be repossessed, and that she would end up harmless.
The irrational fear
She equated organisational change and the threat of a potential job loss with homelessness, causing significant stress and physical symptoms. She feared failing the interview and losing her job and spiralled into anxiety.
Reframe your perspective
When faced with change, it's easy to imagine the worst. This applies to job changes, career shifts, starting a business, or other unfamiliar changes. Fear of the unknown can make us feel out of control, triggering a fight-or-flight response, which isn't helpful with today's challenges.
Adopt an optimistic outlook
Viewing change with optimism helps identify new opportunities. I faced job loss at the age of 44 but saw it as a chance to study, pursue my passion, and start a business. In contrast, a colleague couldn't see beyond the potential loss, leading to stress and sleepless nights.
Coaching perspective
My client, convinced she'd lose her home if she didn’t get the job, recognised through coaching that she had options. She could find another job or rent out her spare room if she didn’t get another job straight away. This realisation that she had options and would be ok, reduced her anxiety, boosting her confidence and optimism. She excelled at the interview and secured the job.
Excessively stressing adds no value
Excessive stress and worry only harm us physically and mentally. Realising her options allowed my client to approach her situation calmly, rationally, and confidently. Whilst in a heightened state of stress she was unable to view the possibilities clearly. Reflecting on her situation through coaching provided the opportunity to have her thinking challenged and to think more rationally and helpfully. It provided her with the mental space to gain clarity about what she could do if the worst was to happen, and to recognise that she was going to be ok.
Your turn
What changes are you facing or considering? What fears hold you back? How can you reframe your perspective? What potential opportunities might that change bring? Approach the change with realistic optimism, identify opportunities, and take action.
Share your list of opportunities and experiences with change in the comments. If you’re struggling with fear, what specifically worries you and what is a more helpful perspective for you to have? If you’ve overcome such fears, what strategies helped you?