Change is often said to be the only constant in life, and nowhere is this more true than in the workplace. Companies undergo countless changes over the course of their existence, ranging from changes in leadership and strategy, to mergers and acquisitions, to the adoption of new technologies. With change being such a fundamental part of the modern business landscape, it is essential that employees are able to navigate periods of change with grace and empathy.
At the heart of this ability to adapt to change is a positive and flexible mindset.
The recent episode of the ASHHRA Podcast titled "The Importance of Mindset in a Period of Change" explores the topic of change management, with a particular focus on the mindset that is needed to successfully navigate a period of change. In the episode, Daniel Gandarilla, Chief Talent Officer at Atrium Health, emphasizes the importance of having a positive mindset towards change, and the significance of portraying this positivity to the team and new people that are encountered. The collaboration amongst everyone during the change will result in a stronger team and a stronger organization.
With the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on organizations including downsizing, restructuring, and employee turnover, it is important to maintain a positive outlook during times of change. Mindset has been identified by numerous studies as a key driver of success in professional and personal life. In fact, studies have shown that mindset can have more impact on employee engagement and job satisfaction than traditional motivators like salary and benefits.
One of the important things to understand about mindsets is that they are not set in stone. A mindset that is not supportive of change can be shifted with effort and intention. By cultivating a growth mindset, employees can become more adaptable and resilient in the face of change. A growth mindset is one that focuses on learning and development, rather than accomplishment and achievement. When faced with a new situation or challenge, those with a growth mindset see it as an opportunity to learn and grow, rather than as a threat to their abilities.
Another important aspect of mindset is resilience. Resilience is the ability to bounce back from setbacks and challenges, and to maintain a positive outlook in the face of adversity. Resilience is not a fixed trait, but rather a set of practices and behaviors that can be cultivated over time. Maintaining a growth mindset is one key aspect of resilience, as is the ability to see setbacks as opportunities for learning and growth, rather than as failures. Other aspects of resilience include seeking out support from others, maintaining a healthy work-life harmony, and engaging in self-care activities like exercise and mindfulness practices.
During times of organizational change, it is important for leaders to help cultivate a positive mindset among employees. This can be done by ensuring that lines of communication are open and transparent, and by providing regular updates and feedback on progress. Leaders should also encourage employees to view change as an opportunity for growth and development, rather than as a threat to their job security or existing way of working. By modeling a growth mindset and a positive attitude towards change, organizational leaders can help to shift the mindset of the entire organization towards one of resilience and adaptability.
In conclusion, mindset is a critical component of navigating periods of change in the workplace. By cultivating a growth mindset and building resilience, employees can adapt to changes with grace and skill, and even see them as opportunities for growth and development. Leaders should also focus on creating a culture of positivity and openness to change, which can be accomplished through transparency, communication, and a focus on opportunities for learning and development. With the right mindset, any period of change can be successfully navigated, and organizational success can be achieved.
Listen to Daniel Gandarilla Episode HERE.