INFORMATION FOR MANAGERS 
CHANGING FOR THE BETTER: "ACT"

When change occurs we experience a mixture of reactions.  Change is challenging, exciting, disruptive, frightening and confusing.  It is important that managers work though the change in order to set directions for those who report to him/her.  This is the concept referred to as "being a change agent."  A change agent is someone who is able to help others work through the change and achieve the organization's objectives.

The important thing to remember is that change is a process.  It can take months or even years to adjust to some types of change.  For example: A Harvard University study found that widows take an average of two years to adjust to the loss of their spouse.

A simple model to follow while you are in the process of an organizational change is called the A.C.T. model.  Here are the components:

A= Accept, Acknowledge and Allow...

• Accept that the change is affecting you.
  
• Acknowledge that the change is affecting others around you.
  
• Allow yourself and others some room to express feelings, concerns, new ideas and so forth.

C= Communicate, Clarify, and Create...

• Communicate frequently; dispel rumors as soon as possible.
  
• Clarify information, correct misinformation.
  
• Create a supportive working environment.  People will adjust to change more readily in a working environment where they feel it is safe to take risks and explore new ways of thinking and doing things.  Give plenty of specific positive feedback to employees' psychological paychecks.

T= Transition, Teach, Take Care...

• Transition employees from the old way of doing business to the new ways, some will need help adjusting.
  
• Teach others what they need to know in the new structure by setting a positive example.
  

• Take care of the "me" issues.  Answer the questions people have at their core: "How will this change effect me?"

• Address job/career related issues ASAP.  Until employees have this very important issue resolved, they will be too pre-occupied to focus on making the change happen.

The last part of the "Take Care" section is to be sure to take care of yourself.  Basic stress management techniques such as eating right, proper exercise and maintaining a sense of humor can go a long way to keep yourself healthy during these trying times.  Incorporate simple changes such as eating a piece of fruit instead of a piece of candy, taking the stairs rather than the elevator and drinking a 50/50 mixture of decaffeinated and regular coffee in order to cut back on your caffeine intake, etc.

If the stress of the change is disrupting your personal life, affecting your sleeping or eating habits, you might consider contacting the Civilian Employee Assistance Program Counseling and Referral Service (CEAP C/RS).  CEAP C/RS offers free, confidential and professional counseling, assessment and referral services for a variety of problems of daily living.  Working through an organizational change is one of the stress-related problems with which the CEAP C/RS can help.  For assistance or further information call CEAP C/RS at (202) 433-0087 or outside the local dialing area you may use 1-800-995-9791. 

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