It’s important for companies to develop leaders who can guide their organizations through both smooth sailing and stormy waters. This means moving beyond the usual management tips and tricks and focusing on what truly matters—handling change in a way that doesn’t make everyone want to run for the hills. Managing change can be tough, but it’s something every business must deal with at some point. The good news? It doesn’t have to be all doom and gloom.

Change at work can throw everyone off balance, creating uncertainty and stress. But since we can’t escape it, the key is learning how to navigate change without losing your cool (or your sanity). With a few practical strategies and maybe a joke or two, you can lead your team through transitions with ease—or at least, without anyone flipping a desk.

Here are 14 practical, down-to-earth tips to help you steer the ship when the winds of change start blowing.

1. Take Charge of Your Own Headspace

The first step in dealing with change? Managing your own thoughts. Change is inevitable, but how you react to it is up to you. You can either stress about it or look at it as an opportunity. It’s like deciding whether to see the glass as half full, half empty, or simply refillable.

Take a moment to reflect:

• What opportunities will you miss if you don’t embrace the change?
• How will this shift affect your job or career?
• What might it cost you if you resist?

Thinking about these questions can help you calm down and approach the situation with a clearer mind. And hey, if all else fails, just remember—there’s always coffee (or chocolate).

2. Learn from Your Past Victories

Change can feel scary because, well, it’s the unknown. But you’ve handled change before, right? So look back at the last time you faced a major shift. How did you survive? What tricks did you use to keep from losing it?

For example, remember when the office switched to that new software and everyone panicked? And yet, here you are, still standing (and possibly even using that software without throwing your computer out the window). By recalling past wins, you’ll remind yourself that you’re more adaptable than you think.

3. Focus on What You Can Actually Control

It’s tempting to stress over everything when change happens, but let’s be real—there are some things you just can’t control, like the weather, traffic, or why your Wi-Fi always drops during important Zoom calls. Instead of worrying about what’s out of your hands, focus on the things you can influence.

Ask yourself:

• Is there a new skill you need to learn to adjust to the change?
• Do you need extra training to stay on top of things?
• Are there ways you can make your job easier during the transition?

By zeroing in on what you can control, you’ll feel less overwhelmed. And if things still feel out of control, take a deep breath—because at least you can control that.

4. Stay Grounded (Even When Everything’s Up in the Air)

It’s easy to get swept up in the panic when everything around you is changing. But if you keep one foot firmly on the ground, you’ll be better equipped to roll with the punches. Remember that change often leads to growth—whether it’s personal growth, career growth, or just growing a thicker skin.

Instead of fighting the change, ask yourself, “What can I learn from this?” It might mean learning a new skill or adopting a new process, but ultimately, it’s a chance to evolve. And who knows, maybe you’ll come out of it with some fancy new expertise you can brag about.

5. Don’t Let Negativity Take Over

Talking about your frustrations might feel good at first, but if you constantly focus on the negative, it’ll drag you down—and everyone else around you. Harvard Business Review even says that venting too much can mess with your ability to adapt. So instead of turning every coffee break into a complaint session, acknowledge your feelings and move on to finding solutions.

Think about it this way: You’ve got enough on your plate without making yourself miserable. Plus, finding the humor in a tough situation can actually make things easier to handle. So, go ahead and laugh when the printer jams during a major deadline—it’s better than crying about it.

6. Channel Your Inner Victor Frankl

Victor Frankl, who survived Nazi concentration camps, once said that while you can’t always control what happens to you, you can control how you respond. Okay, so maybe your office changes aren’t on the same level as a world war, but the idea still applies.

When faced with change, you can choose to roll with it and make the best of a tough situation. Even when things are falling apart, you’ve got the power to decide how to rebuild and move forward. And hey, at least your biggest challenge is probably a new reporting system—not, you know, surviving a concentration camp.

7. Lighten the Mood

Change is stressful, but it doesn’t have to be joyless. A little humor can go a long way toward easing tension and keeping everyone sane. Studies even show that humor can improve social interactions and help people bond, which is exactly what you need during a time of transition.

Crack a joke, share a funny meme, or just remind your team that yes, things are tough right now, but they’ve handled worse. And if someone still insists on taking things too seriously, well, that’s their problem.

8. Find the Bright Side

When everything’s changing, it can feel like the sky is falling. But instead of focusing on what you’ve lost, try to spot the silver lining. Maybe this is a chance to reinvent yourself at work, take on new challenges, or finally get around to learning those skills you’ve been putting off.

Look at the change as a fresh start. Set some new goals for yourself, break them down into manageable steps, and celebrate the small victories along the way. Who knows—you might end up loving the new normal.

9. Use Facts, Not Complaints

When something isn’t working, it’s easy to start griping. But complaints rarely lead to constructive change. Instead, back up your concerns with facts. If a new system isn’t delivering results, gather data and show the higher-ups what’s actually going wrong.

For example, if you’re convinced the new sales software is slowing things down, don’t just complain—track your performance before and after the change, and use that data to suggest improvements. You’ll get a lot further with numbers than with moaning.

10. Learn About the Change Curve

If you’re unfamiliar with the Change Curve, now’s the time to check it out. It’s a simple model that shows how people typically react to change—starting with denial, moving through frustration, and eventually reaching acceptance.

Knowing where you are on the curve (and where your teammates might be) can help you manage your emotions and reactions. And remember, no one likes getting stuck in the frustration stage—so keep moving forward toward acceptance. Because, really, who wants to live in Denial, USA?

11. Don’t Feed the Gossip Mill

Gossiping about the latest office drama might feel like a guilty pleasure, but it’s a recipe for disaster. Complaining behind closed doors only makes things worse, spreading negativity and creating an “us vs. them” mentality. Instead, encourage open communication and bring your concerns directly to the people who can do something about them.

If you lead by example and handle things in a straightforward, honest way, others will follow. And you’ll be the cool-headed leader who keeps everyone from descending into chaos.

12. Communicate, Communicate, Communicate

Nothing fuels anxiety like being left in the dark. During times of change, make sure everyone knows what’s happening—especially if you’re in a leadership position. If employees feel like they’re not getting the full story, rumors and confusion are bound to spread.

Create open channels for questions and concerns, and be as transparent as possible. It’s not about having all the answers, but about keeping the lines of communication open. Empathy can work wonders here, so make sure you’re really listening to people’s worries and addressing them.

13. Trust Your Gut (But Use Your Head)

At the end of the day, trusting your instincts can help you make the right choices. If something doesn’t sit right with you, take time to reflect and figure out why. That said, don’t make snap decisions based on gut feelings alone. Balance your instincts with a clear-headed approach to problem-solving.

And remember—if a change doesn’t align with your personal or professional values, it’s okay to re-evaluate your position within the organization. But before you jump ship, think it through carefully. Sometimes, change brings opportunity, and you don’t want to leave too soon.

14. Set the Example

Finally, the best way to manage change is to model the behavior you want to see. Whether you’re a team leader or just part of the crew, how you handle change will influence everyone around you. So take a deep breath, roll up your sleeves, and show that you’re ready to tackle whatever comes next.

Change is tough, but it’s also an opportunity to grow—both personally and professionally. And by staying calm, adaptable, and maybe even cracking a joke here and there, you’ll get through it just fine.

Conclusion

Managing change doesn’t have to feel like wrestling an alligator. With a bit of humor, some practical steps, and a clear head, you can handle whatever comes your way. Focus on what you can control, communicate openly, and approach every challenge as a chance to grow. Change isn’t going away—but with the right mindset, you’ll be ready to handle it like a pro.

So go ahead, face the next big shift with confidence. And if things still get overwhelming, just remember: there’s always coffee, chocolate, and maybe a cat video or two to lighten the mood.