In my view, the best chance for a team to be resilient during a significant change is if they establish positive norms of behavior from the start. If team members trust each other and treat each other with fairness, respect, empathy, and genuine concern, they have a better chance of successfully navigating change. The leader needs to establish these norms when the team is formed, reinforce them, and not tolerate exceptions. Over my career, I've experienced changes due to M&A, shifts in strategy, and senior leader mismanagement. Whether we stayed together as a team post-change, or were disbanded, when there was trust and mutual respect, we were able to help each other, support each other and most importantly, give each other hope.

1?? Be Transparent: Share the facts and reasons for the changes clearly to avoid confusion. 2?? Acknowledge Emotions: Validate any concerns and show empathy towards their feelings. 3?? Highlight Opportunities: Focus on how the changes can lead to growth, learning, and positive outcomes. 4?? Offer Support: Reassure them that you are there to help navigate the transition together. 5?? Stay Solution-Oriented: Encourage collaboration in finding ways to overcome challenges and make the most of the change.

By approaching these discussions with honesty, empathy, and a focus on opportunities, you can maintain trust and motivation within your team and navigate through the changes successfully. Remember to listen to your team, involve them in the decision-making process, and lead by example in demonstrating a positive attitude and confidence. By doing so, you can inspire your team to embrace challenges and work together towards a brighter future.

In the face of tough changes with my team, I focus on being honest and hopeful. I share what’s happening openly, listen to concerns, and work together to find solutions. Reminding everyone of our goals keeps us motivated, even through challenging times. Change isn’t easy, but by supporting each other, we come through it stronger.

Starting a difficult conversation can be the hardest part. The trick? Using icebreakers can ease everyone into the discussion and make the process smoother. One need to identify the facial expression while conveying something. It can be annoying when someone’s avoiding a vital conversation with you. But resist the urge to ambush them with it. People tend to get defensive when they’re backed into a corner, which isn’t the best way to have a productive discussion. It’s better to give them a heads-up before they’re sitting down for a one-to-one with you.