If you were playing a game of work bingo, how quickly would it take for the phrase ‘change fatigue’ to come up?

I’d imagine pretty quickly.  

It’s the feeling of being weighed down by all the changes happening in the business.

Think about it: the world’s moving at lightning speed, tech’s evolving faster than ever, and then there’s the whole COVID-19 chaos that we’d sooner forget. 

Throw on top of that the agility needed to sustain and grow your business and it’s no wonder you, and your team, are feeling drained.

Why the dip?

According to a Harvard Business Review Gartner Survey, employee support for change dropped from 74% in 2016 to a measly 43% in 2022.

Well, it’s not just about people being lazy or stubborn. 

It’s about them feeling overwhelmed by constant changes and unsure about what’s coming next.

As a leader, it’s on you to create an environment where your team embrace change, rather than become demotivated by it. 

That means having real conversations with your team, listening to their concerns, and showing them that you get it.

Effective communication is your most powerful tool here. 

It’s all about keeping your team in the loop, explaining why changes are happening, and reassuring them that you’re all in this together (and demonstrating that through your actions). 

Consistency is key – whether it’s regular updates or sticking to established routines, it all helps to ease any anxiety that people are feeling.

But here’s the thing: not everyone reacts to change in the same way. 

Some people are all about embracing the new, while others need a bit more time to warm up to it. 

So, you’ve got to be flexible and meet people where they’re at.

The Conscious Competence Model is a helpful tool to apply during times of change.

• Unconscious Incompetence – you’re unaware of the skill and your lack of proficiency
• Conscious Incompetence – you’re aware of the skill but not yet proficient
• Conscious Competence – you’re able to use the skill but only with effort
• Unconscious Competence – performing the skill becomes automatic

Having had teenagers, the best example I can think of here is learning how to drive a car. 

From before they got their L plates (unconscious incompetence) to the first scary drive out of VicRoads having just sat a computer test but never actually driven a car (conscious incompetence). 

Then onto P plates (conscious competence) to driving for years and not even remembering driving down that main road you go down every night to home (unconscious competence).

Some of the changes in your business (for example, new processes or new technology) will feel like learning to drive all over again for some people.

Normalising the discomfort of change and giving people the support they need can make a world of difference.  

Being empathetic, communicative, and taking care of yourself and your team, will help you navigate everyone through change, with less fatigue.

Talking about support, do you want to double your team’s sales and get more yes’s, even in a tough market? If so, then grab The Yes Code™️ at the special rate before it reverts to full price on 6th June. Click here to find out more.

Are you looking for ways to elevate your team’s performance and cultivate a thriving work culture? Maybe you’ve dabbled in developing your team with mentoring, training, or casual coffee chats. You’ve heard the term ‘coaching’ being bandied around, but you’re unsure about the true essence of what coaching means. 

There’s an important distinction between coaching, mentoring and training. And that distinction just might become the superpower of peak performance in your business. 

While mentoring offers insights based on personal experiences, and training equips individuals with specific skills, coaching delves deeper. It’s about unearthing internal barriers, challenging limiting beliefs, and igniting self-awareness.

Coaching isn’t about ticking off tasks or sharing personal anecdotes over a latte. It’s a unique approach that involves asking thought-provoking questions, facilitating self-discovery, which in turn empowers individuals to unlock their full potential.

Imagine the impact of such transformation. According to the International Coach Federation, 80% of coached individuals report increased self-confidence. Now, envision your team members thriving with boosted confidence levels. Not only that, but over 70% also experience improvements in work performance, relationships, and communication skills. These aren’t just numbers; they’re tangible outcomes that can revolutionise your business.

We hear a lot of hesitancy from leaders and business owners that they don’t have enough time to coach their team. But this is a myth. It doesn’t always have to be lengthy, formal conversations. It’s about carving out moments for meaningful conversations, where open-ended questions pave the way for profound insights and growth. You can also consider outsourcing aspects of your coaching to a professional coach, just like you would to a trainer. 

❓Are you truly nurturing a coaching culture within your business? Look for signs like genuine openness to feedback, team members being invested in their (and seeking out) development, and your people get value from coaching conversations.

❓How do you integrate coaching into your everyday interactions? The simple way to start is by flipping the script. Instead of rushing to provide answers (which feels quicker in the moment), ask open ended questions. This will prompt reflection and self-discovery. 

All you have to do is, in your next conversation with a team member, pause before offering advice. Instead, lean into curiosity and ask an open-ended question. It can be that easy.

❓What’s the worst that can happen if you challenge yourself to incorporate these coaching principles into your leadership style? 

Remember, coaching isn’t just about solving immediate problems; it’s about instigating lasting change.

Cultivating a coaching culture within your business, not only nurtures individual growth it also builds a resilient, high-performing team positioned for success.

If you want to look at outsourcing your coaching, Ness and I work with business owners, leaders and teams to do just that. Let’s chat!