Assignment Question

I’m working on a business question and need a reference to help me learn. Prompt: Think back to a change that you have experienced in either your personal or professional life. Write down your experience of change in about one page, and then answer these questions What made this experience a “story?’ Part of the attraction of a story is that it will usually have a main character or groups of characters to whom the reader/listener can relate. A story usually has tension and an emotional perspective, as well as factual information. In the text, the change stories include both subjective and factual details. The stories have just enough information to set the scene and explain the importance of the situation. Each story tells of an incident or situation, along with the consequence(s) or choice(s) that the character/company has to resolve or face. What lessons for managing change can you take from your story? Refer to Figure 1.2 and think through the different aspects involved in change. PROFESSOR’S GUIDANCE FOR THIS WEEK’S LE: EXAMPLE LEARNING ENGAGEMENT POST LOOKS LIKE THIS WITH APA CITATIONS: According to Taylor, Fisher, and Dufresne (2020) there are multiple aspects of the aesthetic in a story that can determine it’s likeable; how good or bad the story is. I attempted to use humor in that I used to get hurt more as an athlete and I changed to be more careful. Change can be an individual experience (Cameron & Green, 2021). Cameron and Green (2020) described individual change and my change story was about my personal health experience. I used to …. Now I … I aspire to learn more organizational change management strategies and compare them to experiences and use the knowledge in future experience (Palmer, Dunford, & Buchanan, 2020). Reference Cameron, E. & Green, M. (2021). Making sense of change management. (4th ed.). Great Britain: Kogan Page Limited. Palmer, I., Dunford, R., & Buchanan, D. (2020). Managing Organizational Change (3rd ed.): McGraw Hill. New York, NY. Taylor, S. S., Fisher, D., & Dufresne, R. L. (2020). The aesthetics of management storytelling: A key to organizational learning. Management Learning 33(3) 313-330. New Delhi. Sage Publications.

Answer

Introduction

Change is an inherent part of life, and we often find ourselves at the crossroads of transformation, whether in our personal or professional spheres. This narrative delves into a personal experience of change and draws valuable lessons for managing change effectively, echoing the sentiments expressed by experts in the field of organizational management.

In my journey of change, I encountered a situation that encapsulated the essence of a compelling story—a protagonist, tension, emotions, facts, and choices. This experience centered around a pivotal shift in my health and lifestyle choices. It was a story not only of physical transformation but also of self-discovery and the pursuit of a healthier, more balanced life.

The change I underwent was initiated by a series of injuries sustained during my athletic pursuits. These injuries served as a wake-up call, urging me to reevaluate my approach to fitness and well-being. As the main character in this narrative, I faced the tension between my desire to excel in sports and the need to prioritize my long-term health.

This journey was laden with emotional perspectives, as I grappled with the fear of sidelining my athletic ambitions. The emotional turmoil was juxtaposed with the factual information about the injuries, their causes, and the potential consequences if I continued down the same path.

The essence of a story lies in the choices made in response to challenges. In my case, I had to make a critical choice: continue with my high-intensity training, risking further injuries, or pivot towards a more balanced approach to fitness and health. This choice was the turning point of my narrative, defining the direction of my transformation.

Lessons for managing change emerged organically from this experience, aligning with the principles outlined in Figure 1.2. Firstly, I realized the importance of acknowledging change as an individual experience (Cameron & Green, 2021). My change story was deeply personal, driven by my unique circumstances, aspirations, and fears. Understanding this individuality allowed me to approach change with empathy and self-awareness.

Furthermore, my experience underscored the significance of proactive change management. Palmer, Dunford, and Buchanan (2020) emphasize the need for well-planned and strategically executed change efforts. Similarly, I learned that change, especially one that involves breaking old habits and adopting new ones, necessitates a structured approach. It requires setting clear goals, seeking relevant knowledge, and implementing a step-by-step plan.

Lastly, the importance of learning from change experiences became evident (Taylor, Fisher, & Dufresne, 2020). My personal transformation inspired a desire to delve deeper into the field of organizational change management. I aspired to augment my change management skills and knowledge, drawing parallels between my personal journey and the dynamics of change within organizations. This newfound passion drove me to explore the works of experts in the field and seek ways to apply these insights to my future experiences.

Conclusion

Change is not merely a process; it is a story waiting to be told. My personal change narrative embodies the elements of a compelling story, offering valuable lessons in managing change effectively. It reinforces the idea that change is both a personal and organizational journey, demanding empathy, strategic planning, and a commitment to continuous learning. As we navigate the ever-evolving landscapes of our lives and workplaces, understanding the essence of a change story can guide us toward meaningful transformations and enduring growth.

References

Cameron, E., & Green, M. (2021). Making sense of change management (4th ed.). Great Britain: Kogan Page Limited.

Palmer, I., Dunford, R., & Buchanan, D. (2020). Managing Organizational Change (3rd ed.). McGraw Hill. New York, NY.

Taylor, S. S., Fisher, D., & Dufresne, R. L. (2020). The aesthetics of management storytelling: A key to organizational learning. Management Learning, 33(3), 313-330. New Delhi: Sage Publications.