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This is part 4 of 8 in the significant seven teaming questions. Previous parts can be found on my website (timshaw.co.za under Shaw to Shore articles).

Whenever I grapple with change I resort to my default which comes from the Chinese. In Mandarin the word Jihui is used which can be translated into ‘changepoint opportunity’. Change gives rise to opportunity and viewing it as such triggers the switch which illuminates possibility thinking. The meaning of the word Jihui dismisses negative connotations typically associated with change by focusing on the opportunity for a new alternative.

Neurologically this kind of thinking stems from the executive functions of the brain with its higher-order functioning and fluid intelligence capabilities. The pay-off for opportunistic thinking is huge although the thinking abilities required for managing change, namely problem solving, reasoning and abstractness, are only realized when one feels psychologically safe and fully engaged.

An approach for exploring the ‘new opportunity’ is to use the phrase when you change the way you look at things … the things you look at change. It’s refreshingly simplistic although it will entail an infusion of focus, discipline and persistence in order to affect the necessary shift.

Ask team members to relate the last time they successfully embraced change after initially resisting it. What was it, why did they push back, what was the reason for them to ultimately change their minds and what learning did they take from the experience?

Continue enquiring with a deeper dive.

Who is uncomfortable with change, what causes them to feel that way, what is the main cause of their discomfort, what can they control and what is beyond their control?

It has been said that change is three words – get over it! I hope this short article will help you to get over yours.

I am the author of Leading Self and Others (how to make a difference where you are with what you’ve got) and Teaming with ideas (life lessons in teams – from business, sport and parkrun). You can contact me here.