When Everything Changes, Here’s How to Be the Anchor

Change hits us all. One day, you’re cruising along, and the next, you’re handed a new strategy or a merger. Suddenly, everyone’s looking at you, waiting. What now?

It’s Okay to Feel It All

First off, feeling a mix of excitement and fear? That’s normal. Change is disruptive, and it’s okay to feel a little off-balance. We’re not robots programmed to love every curveball thrown our way.

Whenever big shifts happened throughout my career, my first thought was, “Alright, how do we tackle this without losing our minds?” It’s okay if you don’t have all the answers. Being real about that goes a long way—it’s honest, and it’s human.

Keep It Real and Keep It Clear

Communication is everything, but a dose of vulnerability can be your best ally. When explaining the why behind changes, keep it straightforward. Here’s where we are, here’s where we need to go, and here’s why it matters to us all.

Share the map for the road ahead—even if it’s still a work in progress. Don’t try to present a perfect plan; your team will appreciate honesty over a flawless pitch. Letting them know that you’re in it together and figuring things out as you go builds trust and connection.

Support Like You Mean It

Rolling out new systems or structures? Think of it like teaching someone to ride a bike. Someone has to hold the bike steady and run alongside them.

Be that person.

Training and resources matter, but so does being there to answer questions, listen to frustrations, and celebrate small wins. Change is tough, and a steady presence makes a big difference. When someone falls, be there to help them back up.

Turn ‘Against’ into ‘Alongside’

Resistance isn’t a roadblock; it’s a signal. It’s saying, “I’m not sure about this.” That’s your cue to listen, really listen. More often than not, you’ll find a way to work through it together.

Sometimes those hesitant voices are exactly what you need to hear. They’ve got insights that can actually make your plan stronger. Embrace that feedback—it’s fuel for getting better.

What We Stand For Doesn’t Change

Through all the twists and turns, our core values—our North Star—stay the same. Keeping those values front and center isn’t just comforting; it’s empowering. They’re what keep us moving forward together, no matter what’s changing around us.

Leading Through Change: Be the Steady Presence

Leading through change isn’t about having all the answers or pretending to. It’s about showing up honestly, staying connected, and being the anchor your team needs.

Face the unknown side by side with your team, and make the journey one of growth, not just adjustment. Change isn’t something to simply get through; it’s something to grow through.