Mentor Monday: Managing Change

By Kerrie Downey

In life, there is one constant-change. I have onboarded dozens of people in both Amazon and TikTok and there is a consistent tip I give all new hires which is you need to get comfortable with change. Now, as a Life Coach, I help individuals and leaders embrace change with clarity and confidence.

Here are some practical tips I’ve learned for managing change—whether it’s at work, in life, or both:

1. Don’t Resist—Pause and Reflect Change often feels like a threat, but it can also be an invitation. Take a beat. Ask: What’s this change trying to teach me? What opportunities could this bring? The guarantee of change is one major reason to never tie your development, decisions or anything else to a particular leader or team as a reorganization could completely sever this connection immediately.

2. Anchor to Your Values In the face of uncertainty, your values are your compass. When decisions get tough, align with what truly matters to you—not just what’s familiar. As mentioned in a previous #MentorMonday post, the creation of an Individual Development Plan (IDP) is integral for all employees, but this is particularly useful when it comes to change. If there is a reshuffle in your reporting line, team, department or all three, you can use your IDP document and meeting notes to ground yourself while getting your manager up to speed very quickly. It also ensures the continuation of your IDP as your new manager will know this will be an expected component of your working relationship. I have at times, genuinely lost count of what number manager I was on but having the IDP gave me a sense of control and my new manager a foundation which facilitated our ability to adapt to the change in leadership. It also impresses a new manager to see clarity,  self-sufficiency and organisation in you as an individual.

3. Overcommunicate (With Yourself and Others) In tech, assumptions can sink ships. One thing that reorgs bring are questions. You will see all aspects of an employee’s personality when they are confronted with change and not everyone copes well. This is an opportunity for you to impress Leadership while supporting your team members through the creation of a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document. Share what you and your peers are experiencing, document questions, relay these to leadership and then close the loop by sharing with your team. Remember your new manager/team is also going through this reorg and finding their feet. You stepping in to ensure clear communication shows leadership and will provide calm in the storm.

4. Break It Down Big shifts are overwhelming. Focus on what you can control today. One micro-action at a time adds up to big transformation.

5. Get Support—You Don’t Have to DIY Your Growth I’ve learned the hard way that self-reliance isn’t always strength. Whether it’s a coach, mentor, or friend—change is easier with someone in your corner. Don’t be afraid to speak up and get the guidance and clarity you need.

🌱 Change isn’t a problem to solve—it’s a process to move through. And when you approach it intentionally, it can become a launchpad for growth. If you’re navigating change right now—career-wise, personally, or both—I’ve been there.

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