By: CeCe President
Ah, October! The month of spooky costumes, haunted houses, and the occasional jump scare. Halloween always reminds us how the unknown can seem scary at first—until we turn on the lights and realize it’s just a plastic skeleton or a friend hiding behind a mask. Just like those jump scares on Halloween, changes at work can feel just as daunting—until you start to understand them.
I remember a time when Anthony President, our Founder and Chief Training Officer—and my amazing hubby 🥰—had his own “jump scare” with change. It wasn’t a haunted house or a horror movie that did it—it was switching from his beloved paper calendar to our new electronic database system to track his training and coaching sessions! I still laugh when I think about it. For years, Anthony relied on his trusty paper calendar, filled with sticky notes and scribbles. When we introduced the digital system, you’d have thought we were asking him to face the Headless Horseman himself!
Anthony’s initial response was pure resistance. He was convinced the new system would complicate things and make it harder to stay organized. But after a few weeks of trial (and maybe a few grumbles), Anthony found that the electronic system was far more efficient. It streamlined his scheduling, allowed for easier updates, and reduced the risk of double bookings. What initially seemed like a daunting change turned out to be a game-changer!
Why is Change So Scary?
It’s not the change itself that’s frightening—it’s the uncertainty that comes with it. Just like the spooky figures in the dark, change can seem overwhelming because we don’t fully understand what’s happening or how it will affect us.
Think of it like this: you wouldn’t go into a haunted house without a flashlight, right? Similarly, you shouldn’t face workplace change without the right tools and understanding.
Change is inevitable in any organization, especially in education, social services, and other community-serving organizations. Whether it’s new technology, policy shifts, or evolving workplace dynamics, change happens. And when it does, we need leaders who understand how to guide their teams through it—without losing their heads, or their minds!
The First Step: Shedding Light on the Unknown
The best way to make change less scary is to understand it. One of the most important lessons is knowing the difference between change and transition. Change is the external event—like a policy change or restructuring. Transition, on the other hand, is the internal process your team goes through as they adjust to that change.
For example, when Anthony faced the switch from his paper calendar to the electronic database, the technical change was simple—but his internal struggle, the transition, was where the resistance came in. Once he clearly understood the benefits and saw how much easier his scheduling became, the transition was complete, and the fear of the unknown was gone. The same goes for your team—understanding the “why” behind the change can reduce the fear of the unknown.
Ready to lead with confidence? Download our FREE Change Leadership Mini-Course now!
Facing the Ghosts of Fear: Addressing Concerns
Fear is often driven by unanswered questions. By asking the right questions, you shine a light on the unknown and reveal those “ghosts” for what they are—concerns that can be managed. For instance:
• How are your team members feeling about the change?
• What’s been most challenging for them?
• What concerns do they have that haven’t been addressed?
Sometimes, it’s not the change itself that’s hard, but the uncertainty about how it will affect daily routines, job roles, or relationships with coworkers.
Why Understanding Change Leads to Success
Here’s a fun fact: Teams that understand the changes happening within their organization are more likely to feel empowered and engaged. According to a recent study, when leaders actively communicate about changes and engage their teams, employee well-being improves, and turnover decreases.
Understanding change also fosters a positive work environment and increases productivity, as it reduces the fear and resistance that often accompany transitions. This is why workplace wellness and team building are essential elements of successful change leadership. Leaders who manage change well pave the way for future leaders to emerge, fostering a work environment where everyone is better equipped to handle transitions.
A Resource for Navigating Change
Let’s face it, not all changes are as minor as Anthony’s calendar switch (though he might still argue otherwise!). Some changes—like agency-wide restructuring or implementing new workplace protocols—can feel like you’re venturing into the unknown.
That’s why we created the mini-course on Change Leadership as a resource to help leaders like you not just survive change, but thrive through it. This course is packed with tools and strategies to help you manage both the logistical and emotional aspects of change in your organization.
You’ll learn how to lead your team during times of change, foster a positive work environment, and even reduce turnover. No matter the challenge—whether it’s sudden staffing changes, shifting strategies, or evolving organizational priorities—this course equips you to navigate change with resilience and purpose.
Ready to thrive through change? Download our FREE Change Leadership Mini-Course!
Facing the Future with Confidence
Change is a constant, and when you understand it, it’s far less scary. Just like Halloween, where the scariest things turn out to be harmless fun, the unknowns of workplace change can transform into opportunities when you have the right tools. So, the next time your team faces a major shift, remember Anthony’s calendar scare—it’s a reminder that, with the right perspective and support, even the most daunting changes can lead to progress.
If you’re ready to become a more confident change leader, check out our mini-course on Change Leadership. It’s time to turn the lights on, face the change, and lead your team with confidence!
Entrepreneur and international speaker CeCe President is the creator of Be BOLD Enough: A Service-Based Leadership Development System. She empowers passionate leaders with the coaching, confidence, and clarity they need to create massive impact and serve customers at the highest levels.
CeCe holds a master’s degree in public administration from the City University of New York. With over two decades of experience leading public, private, and non-profit organizations, CeCe is a sought-after consultant, speaker, and leadership coach whose work changes lives and reshapes organizations.
CeCe is an avid volunteer, outspoken advocate, and committed donor to various causes. Among the many ways she serves her community is as a board member for Ronald McDonald House Charities of Northeast Ohio, Greater Cleveland Partnership, and COSE, Cleveland’s small business Chamber of Commerce. CeCe and her husband, company founder Anthony President, are both native Clevelanders and proud alumni of John Carroll University.
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