I have been working today with a very challenging change that very significantly affects one key player in the organisation. After a very difficult session I was reflecting on the importance of de-personalising change, Yes, it does affect individuals, and sometimes it may even lead to questions about the capabilities of the individual in the new scenario, but it is really important to recognise that what is driving change is external and that any capability shortfalls are a consequence of the change not a driver.

It can be too easy to ‘take it personally’ and to fight back on a personal level, when what is more helpful for everyone’s sanity and self-respect is to recognise that the world changes, that sometimes mismatches occur and to deal with those mismatches on a personal basis in a compassionate way.