Page 8 - Euroguidance-Insight-Magazine-2023

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How to work with change?

During the Euroguidance conference in Prague in 2022, the Polish Euroguidance team had the opportu-
nity to conduct a workshop for career counsellors on the subject of ‘Working with Change’.

Change is the only thing that happens all of the time. The model of change
We deal with it both in our private and professional The model presented above helps us to understand
lives. The work of career counsellors is always about the process of change. It was developed based on
change (attitudes, competences, jobs). In order to the experiences of people with terminal illnesses. But
support clients on the path of change, it is necessary it actually applies to all types of change. The process
to understand the dynamics of the process if we are to consist of 4 stages:
prepare the most appropriate response.

Change in working context 1. Denial – (I don’t want to see that a change is nec-
essary).
In the context of work, we deal with two types of Best response is to inform, show a real image of
change: enforced change (i.e. unpleasant surprise) the situation to help clients to face reality.
and voluntary change (i.e. planned and controlled). 2. Resistance (I’m afraid that I will get worse or lose
We usually prefer the kind of change that we have
more control over, i.e. voluntary, but enforced something that is important).
change is the one that is easier to implement. Most The best response is to work on values and inspire
often, we do care about changing our jobs, but we i.e. using all coaching techniques.
do not like the cost and time and effort associated 3. Trial – (I’m trying and I’m successful or not)
with the process. Often, we do not take enough The best response is to motivate.
action, or we quickly give up. Being aware of the 4. Involvement ( I’m really committed to change)
challenges of the change process is crucial for ca- The best response is to appreciate and reward
reers counsellor professionals if they are to give the taking the action.
best advice.
Results

Working with the group, we
discovered that in times of
change (both in enforced and
voluntary situations), people
are often lost, fearful and
highly suggestible. They need
more than just an appropriate
response, they need “emotion-
al guidance” and support from
the outside. This reinforces the
importance of the role and
responsibility that career guid-
ance professionals play in sup-
porting people, and that this
is needed, more than ever, in
the world of constant changes.

Sylwia Korycka-Fortuna
National Europass &
Euroguidance Center, Poland

Euroguidance Insight Magazine Issue 1/2023