The 4 Horsemen of Change

I've read numerous books on change: the impacts of change, the importance of change, what happens if people don't change, how to get people to accept change, ...

Recently I find myself reflecting often on change as organizationally things around me may be changing in the coming months. For those who don't know, I've been working with VOXCOM for the past year as part of their executive team focused on Strategy and Planning. In April another Income Fund tendered an offer to purchase the VOXCOM Income Fund. If the purchase goes through then change will be part of the package.

I'm unsure if there is a mapped out 'stages of change' similar to death but I found that there seems to 4 general reactions to change.

Fear of change: This reaction may be the most normal for people. What does this change mean to me? How does my life or the lives of others I care about change? Why can't it not change?

Denial of change: Perhaps the most unhealthy reaction is ignoring the fact that change is either not occuring or convincing yourself that it won't. For those suffering from Denial of Change the book 'Who Moved my Cheese' would be a good resource.

Apathy of change: You'll notice I don't use the word 'acceptance' as three of the reactions accept change is happening. With Apathy the person is just indifferent to the change. This can be the most dangerous of all reactions since often people suffering from Apathy have seen too much change and may have an opinion of 'ride it out and it will change back'.

Change-Addict: This is someone who seeks out change. Someone who, on the positive side, is always innovating and seeking new ways of doing things, but on the negative side, is never comfortable with something that works. These people are great when tempered with someone who is suffering with Fear of Change to balance them out a bit.

If you are wondering how I see myself, I see myself as a Change-Addict. I love change! I crave it! I get frustrated when I'm in a scenario that change doesn't occur quickly enough. There may be good reasons but I'd much prefer to fail at something then not change because I was afraid of change. So over the past month, and for the coming months, I have to school myself on patience.

I you believe there is someone in your organization that is a Change-Addict, recognize it. There is a chance that this person will create their own change if not allowed to lead change within your organization. These people are often your intrapreneurs!