Advetorial Content
When Dealing with Change, Your Greatest
Asset is Your Personality
Change is inevitable. When it happens, how will you react?
Change is unavoidable. Whether it’s in the form of a new career path, new relationships, new opportunities or loss,
there comes a time when every one of us will need to adapt to change. Of course, not everyone reacts the same
way when faced with change. Some people embrace it, looking forward to new challenges. Others resist change and
approach new circumstances with anxiety and fear.
According to John Schindell, director of corporate communication for PeopleKeys, how we deal with change is hardwired into our personalities.
Q: Why do people react differently to change?
A: It’s all a matter of personality makeup. Different reactions
to change stem from different personality styles. When
faced with a change, even something positive like starting
a new job, it’s not surprising to see a wide range of
reactions. Depending on your personality makeup, change
can trigger excitement, resentment, panic, or denial. It’s
important to recognize that those reactions aren’t randomly
generated. They stem from patterns of behavior that are a
fundamental part of who a person is and how they react to
the world around them.
Q: What are the advantages of recognizing
different responses to change?
A: Some see change as an opportunity. Others see it as a
problem or obstacle to be overcome. When coaching
clients, it’s important to remember that the way you
personally feel about change isn’t necessarily the same way
your client feels. To be the most successful, the approach
you take needs to account for their unique personality style.
Their personality—not yours— has to be the guiding force.
Q. What is the best advice for partnering with a
client that’s dealing with a major life change?
A: It’s important for clients to realize that no matter what their
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personality style may be, they possess natural strengths
that they can rely on to get them through even the most
difficult changes. Some personality styles are competitive
and love a challenge. They can tap into that drive to better
cope with change. Others are natural researchers and can
use their ability to gather information to be better able to
prepare for change. Some personality styles possess a good
sense of humor, others a singular focus and still others
a strong family support system. Whatever the strength,
recognizing it and using it to their best advantage can he B