Courtney Anne Wilson

Why is Change so Hard?

Published on 12/12/2022 by Courtney Anne WilsonLeave a comment

It’s been four years since I’ve last written a blog, despite knowing how much this soothes my mind, expands my heart, and is an expression of my soul. It’s surprising (or not) as in my last blog I wrote… it’s time to “Rethink Everything”, spend time writing a book and find new ways to support aligned causes.

Well, be careful what we say! During this time, I have experienced major life changes and, truthfully, it’s been one of the most challenging and rewarding times of my life. It certainly has made me rethink my patterns and perceptions, it’s offered new experiences (and content) for a book and opened new ways of supporting and serving the community.

In four years, I’ve relocated from South Australia to Queensland, confronted past and generational trauma, dealt with workplace bullying, set up new job opportunities, grew (and growing) on every level to be a mother (**pause for the miracle of life**), experienced heart break, moved house (for the sixth time), lost a loved one, and faced the possibility of major illness. So, just a little bit of change to deal with… not to mention the top 5 most stressful life events!

Why is change so hard?

Change is something different; whether welcomed or unwelcomed, it’s modifying or replacing our life experience; our patterns; our perceptions; our reality.

Something different introduces the unknown, and even if it’s exciting it can also be challenging.

Any unknown represents a lack of predictability, comfort, and control and increases feelings of anxiety and stress.

In fact, all types of emotions can arise. Check out The Process of Transition, by John Fisher, who outlines the stages people go through when faced with a personal transition. And let’s face it, every change is personal.

So why is change so hard?

Because our ability to manage change is directly related to our ability to understand and manage our mental and emotional well-being. And this concept, while known, is still relatively new to the western culture, especially in business.

What I’ve learnt about change management

The only constant in life is change. The key to success is:

Focus on the WHY.
Outline WHAT is needed.
Explore HOW to navigate effectively.

Focus on the WHY

Connect to a higher vision or purpose; set intentions; ask ‘what does the future look like?’

“Where attention goes, energy flows”.
James Redfield

In business, the WHY needs to be crystal clear to everyone and actively endorsed by the leadership team, especially before the commencement of design workshops. Otherwise, it’s just too easy and comfortable to slip into old ways of thinking and doing.

Outline WHAT is needed

Identify the change process; highlight areas of growth; build a community of support.

“If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail”
Benjamin Franklin

In business, key stakeholders must work together to develop, endorse, and continuously review a customised, clear, and effective change management strategy, communication, business process change, and training plans. This provides a framework, a roadmap, and the context for change which is everything for the modern business.

Explore HOW to navigate effectively

The aim is acceptance, contribution and commitment. Acknowledge and name how you feel; choose calming strategies and develop new habits; celebrate the little things.

“Behind every negative emotion there is a need waiting to be fulfilled”
Tamara Pflug

This has been a huge area of growth for me. Now that I am a mother, I have an even greater responsibility to lead by example. So, I invested in the Generation Mindful time in toolkit and created a calming corner. The Time-In ToolKit® playfully teaches kids how to navigate big emotions through social-emotional skill-building games. It’s working wonders for me and my inner child! I’m even observing, firsthand, that when we change our language, we change their behaviour.

In business, this is understanding The Process of Transition, or similar model, and establishing a variety of feedback loops and restorative actions. Promote responsibility and safety in being vulnerable, so that people feel seen and heard, and celebrate success. Ensure language, and behaviour, is consistently aligned to the WHY and WHAT.

If nothing else, just remember to embrace failure. When it comes to change, to understanding and managing our mental and emotional well-being, roadblocks and setbacks are inevitable. Learn, pivot, and go after your intentions with a new perspective.

“Anyone who has never made a mistake has never tried anything new”
Albert Einstein

With gratitude,

Courtney ‘Co-Creator’ Wilson

m: +61 (0)417 107 888| e: courtneyannewilson@outlook.com

Acknowledging NOW

Published on 06/11/201806/11/2018 by Courtney Anne Wilson1 Comment

Recently my life took a change in direction, and I realised the importance of acknowledging NOW and appreciating the journey.

In early 2012, I said YES to the invitation from Elizabeth Ellames and joined the group of women to participate in a 12-month social synergy venture and learn a new way of contributing and collaborating.

For as long as I can remember I wanted to team up with people to make a difference. My heart’s desire is to shine the light and pathway towards unity.

As a Change Coach and Consultant, I know that people have a vast array of diverse characteristics. If we embrace those differences, knowing each has a unique and equal part to play in the larger whole, we will start to move together as one and co-create a world that is connected, cooperative, adaptable and a win for everyone.

The Unite Your Light New Style Leadership Program showed me that unity starts within us, our family, our community and then the world. As part of the United Projects Initiative, I envisioned teaming up with Elizabeth to co-create Cohesive Leadership for Change – an experiential training program to equip and empower women to take action on their life purpose and contribute to social change. Together, we invited Cherie and Lisa to join the team, which led towards the incorporation of NOW Leadership Inc. in 2015.

For 3 years I’ve been inspired by being a member of the NOW team because we demonstrated the power of collaboration and had the opportunity to support innovation and new style and collaborative leaders. I was honoured to be able to contribute my expertise, practice nature-based principles and work alongside three spirited, purposeful and committed women; with a focus on bringing together corporate and community through Social Business and Enterprise.

With gratitude and respect for the time and energy towards contributing, learning and growing together, it’s now time to move on.

As I walk forward to focus on my role at Innodev, with a mantra to “Rethink Everything”, spend time writing a book, Cultivate Connection, and finding new ways to support aligned causes, I reflect on the last three to seven years.

It has been a journey with many twists and turns, and one that has expanded my experience, resolve and resilience. Not to mention, one of discovery and empowerment.

The abundant gifts shared along the way include…

Connecting with like-hearted women
Harnessing the value of diversity
Listening to intuition and inspiration
Discovering truth and trust
Feeling the magic of authenticity
Supporting the community
Raising awareness and funding social change
Turning competition into cooperation
Practicing creative collaboration

Thank you to all the women, and men, that were part of this journey and those that will continue to be.

A huge thank you to Elizabeth, Cherie and Lisa. I wish you every success as you move forward with NOW Leadership Inc., blessed with the power of three.

And to all the strong, creative, brave and powerful women who are looking for support in developing their leadership and creating new opportunities for the world, check out www.nowleadershipinc.com

With love and a grateful heart for NOW,

Courtney ‘Co-Creator’ Wilson

m: +61 (0)417 107 888| e: courtney.connect@outlook.com

The Corporate World is Changing

Published on 04/10/201806/11/2018 by Courtney Anne WilsonLeave a comment

The corporate world is changing. We talk about this V.U.C.A world, a Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, Ambiguous world that we now live in because there is constant change and uncertainty. Those businesses that are thriving are the ones that are agile, adaptive and flexible. Traditionally, organisations and businesses haven’t had operations or structures to support this. What I have to offer….

Purpose

To cultivate connection and celebrate life through unity-based principles.

My message is to let go of control, show compassion, dare 2BU and be co-creative.

Passion

I love performing, presenting and promoting sustainable new ways.

Professional

I am a Senior Consultant at Innodev – our mantra is “Rethink Everything” and it is the foundation upon which we create value for our clients in the navigation of their digital transformation journey.

I was also a co-founder, Change Management Director and Treasurer of NOW Leadership Inc – a platform that invites proactive conversation and actions toward unity in these areas; Esteem Toward Women, The Importance Of Belonging, Looking After Our Future, Collaborative Leadership and Activating Social Business.

I have significant Change Strategy and Management experience in major financial institutions and a variety of private, public and community sector organisations, including Government and Social Business, across Australia and United Kingdom.

My expertise includes commercial and financial acumen, building quality working relationships and assisting all levels, including Executive and Senior Management, for effective organisational change management and transformation.

The key to success in any venture is through building quality relationships, embracing different methods, adapting to change and effectively navigating new situations; ‘Collaboration invites Success’ – and it’s what the world is asking for, NOW.

Connect with me today and let’s manage some change together,

Courtney Wilson, Change Coach and Consultant
m: +61 (0)417 107 888| e: courtney.connect@outlook.com

Being an Effective Change Manager

Published on 10/07/201802/08/2018 by Courtney Anne WilsonLeave a comment

As Heraclitus, a Greek philosopher, once said (updated with current protocol), “No person steps in the same river twice, for it’s not the same river and they’re not the same person”

So, it would stand to reason that, if the only constant in life is change, then we are all, in fact, the change manager of our own life, both personally and professionally.

Why then, does the role of a Change Manager exist?

Similar to a personal trainer, financial advisor or guidance counsellor, during times of significant change, an experienced and qualified change manager can provide people with the required support, within each step of the process, to make effective choices and ensure a smooth transition.

Given there are different circumstances and types of change, the role of a Change Manager can take on many forms and the will depend on the findings of, what I term, the Third ‘I’ Review©:

Intention: accepting change is occurring and being real about the mental state that represents a commitment to carrying out an action or actions in the future. It involves mental activities such as strategy, planning and forethought and requires identification of desired outcomes.
Insight & Intuition: gaining an understanding of the impact of change; the cause and effect based on relationships and behaviours within a model, context, or scenario. It is the power of a piece of information, acute observation and deduction, introspection, discernment, and perception.
Identification: ability to define the change, the core good or service being produced and supplied, as well as distinguishing between an individual and/or a organisational change that will determine the appropriate change management frameworks, tools and techniques to apply; a change within health care would be different to one in information technology, as would a change to physical well-being compared to a change in the way we work.

Realise it’s not a one-person role (or the role of one team);

An effective Change Manager has the ability to partner, influence and build lasting relationships with people within the community. In the context of business, change management would be architected by change management professionals but is developed with, and executed by, many players across all levels of the organisation; from top-level executives to front line supervisors and includes specialists from human resources and organisational development, impacted employees and designated resources.

Recognise the meaning behind the change

There is always a reason for the change. The more a Change Manager can assist in identifying, clarifying and specifying the reason, the more likely it is that people will understand the need to change, develop a desire and willingness to change and be open to connecting with others around a common purpose or collective vision that will bring the change to fruition.

Know it’s more than just a process

While there are a number of proven Change Management approaches and methodologies that outline a set of steps to follow, these need to be continuously tailored in line with the Third ‘I’ Review©, current trends and innovative practices, including customer experience, design thinking, value management and business agility. Not to mention that a Change Manager deals with the people side of change – and people bring with them a constant challenge of uncertainty and complexity.

When it comes to change, you are, without a doubt, your own Change Manager. You can either go it alone or you can seek the guidance and support of an experienced and professional practitioner, someone who can support and guide you in the direction you seek – it’s up to you!

Courtney ‘Co-Creator’ Wilson

m: +61 (0)417 107 888| e: courtney.connect@outlook.com

Community-based protocol in Business

Published on 04/07/201802/08/2018 by Courtney Anne WilsonLeave a comment

On a recent trip to Hawaii I became part of a new, diverse community; one that bonded over a shared interest and experience – the Molokai Hula Bliss and Huaka’i 2018.

It got me thinking…What makes a community? Why is community important? How can business benefit from community-based protocol?

What makes a community?

A community is built on relationships and can naturally form from one or many of the following ways:

Shared location – a city, a neighbourhood, a country e.g. I was born in Adelaide
Shared attribute – “I am _____” e.g. I am female or I am vegetarian
Shared lineage – birth, marriage or choice e.g. I am Australian, Scottish and German
Shared interest or passion -“I like _____” e.g. I like dancing or I like travelling
Shared action or practice – “”I do ______” e.g. I participate in social change conversations or I practice Change Management

But what makes a community?

In my experience, it’s commitment; and the level of commitment to sharing and to one another is what determines the strength and impact of that community.

In Hawaii, we made a commitment to not only learn but experience the traditional Hawaiian teachings and Aloha way of life and, in turn, we learnt about ourselves and each other.

Why is community important?

A community provides an opportunity for people to connect and belong. It’s also the mechanism for creating social norms. A community of action or practice, with a high level of commitment, even has the ability to develop self-managing and sustainable systems that enable us to keep working together towards a collective vision or goal.

In Hawaii, I connected with people from around Australia and the world. We developed a sense of belonging through a shared experience “We’ll always have Molokai!”.

At the beginning, we were given a set of simple rules – e.g. be on time. Throughout our experience, however, a set of social norms also started to develop, sourced from our own personal culture and from the teachings we were rediscovering. What I came to know, through this (and past) experience, was the importance of the following principles:

Invitation and Consent – from inviting someone into our personal head or heart space to inviting someone onto the land, our home or office. Upon entering, the act of checking in and asking for agreement; which in Hawaii could mean a specific chant or hymn. And upon leaving, giving thanks. Always showing respect for ourselves, one another and our surroundings.
Responsibility and Trust – taking ownership of our own contribution, actions, reactions and responses. It’s about creating a safe and secure environment, being reliable, keeping each other accountable and considering the needs of the group; knowing when it’s time to fill up our own cup so that it’s over flowing and we are able to contribute for the benefit of others.
Nature and Nurture – understanding the nature within us and the nature that surrounds us. Demonstrating care and compassion to what is and how this can grow or be destroyed – dependent upon our thoughts and actions and our ability to balance the needs of the people and the sustainability of natural resources.

As a group, we operated by a roster system that outlined what needed to be done, when and by who. The lesson here was to let go of control, remain flexible and trust the natural order of things to emerge and evolve. Inevitably circumstances and challenges present themselves that forces a change, and when you are in it together, committed, and following these three principles, emergence takes place and transformation occurs.

How can business benefit from community-based protocol?

A community has the power to

Cultivate respect and team effectiveness
Encourage contribution and participation, without force or control
Inspire ideas and innovation, without self-orientation
Support one another through challenging times and share the success

In business, we can benefit from community-based protocol. We are a community, after all! And it’s the elements of a community that I consider when applying the Triple S Planning© model:

Strategy – a focus point established by a shared or collective purpose, vision or goal
Synergy – the level of cohesive interaction created from social norms, values and principles
Systems – flexible and new ways of working developed by one another with one another

The essential catalyst being commitment – to the collective and for the greater good.

Close your eyes and imagine a community you know. What is the commonality? Is it a good feeling with a sense of safety and strength? Or does it give you a cold sense of uncertainty? What are the guiding principles? How do you work together? What is the level of commitment?

Consider these elements and go forth to strengthen your community or your tribe – it’s what we were born to do….