Change Preparedness

The Circle of Control

During times of change, it can feel like many things fall outside your circle of control. You are invited to access self-service and facilitated learning resources within your circle of control. Use these resources to help you navigate through all types of change. The circle of control is a model to begin thinking about how you approach change.

The circle of control model has three sections:

• 

  Circle of Concern

  The outer circle is the circle of concern, or the things you are concerned about that you cannot control.
  Examples: Pandemics, weather, what other people do

• 

  Circle of Influence

  The middle circle is the circle of influence, or the things you can influence, even if you can’t control.
  Examples: Your team, relationships with colleagues, your job

• 

  Circle of Control

  The inner circle is the circle of control, or the things you can actually control.
  Examples: Your reaction, where you go for information, what you can learn about

See also: Change Management Tips for Individuals on LinkedIn Learning (15 minutes)

Self-Service Resources

If you are looking to get started right away or if you’d like to access some resources on your own based on your individual needs.

• Preparing Yourself for ChangeThis LinkedIn Learning course provides tools to help you survive changes in your work life and thrive in uncertain times. The course discusses common psychological responses brought about by change. It then delves into techniques and strategies you can use to protect yourself and even boost yourself while navigating change in your workplace and beyond.
  Length: 28 minutes
• How to be an adaptable employee during change and uncertaintyIn this LinkedIn Learning course, learn how to cultivate an adaptable mindset and build the right skills, including communication and open-mindedness. The skills you learn in this course can help you thrive in times of crisis, and succeed no matter what the future holds.
  Length: 35 minutes
• Thrive@UW-Madison: Managing Stress and Finding Vitality at WorkIn this self-paced course, participants will learn strategies to regulate the central nervous system, neutralize thoughts, and develop a plan for a life with less stress. You will engage in activities that may challenge you to think in a new way.
  Length: 1 to 2 hours
• Network for Change and Continuous Innovation (NCCI)NCCI offers resources for successful practice and approaches to change specific to higher education institutions. As a UW-Madison employee, you have access to a free account as a UW-Madison employee. Their website includes a resource library and professional development opportunities.
• Healthy Minds AppWith a combination of podcast-style lessons and both seated and active meditations, you’ll learn what the science says about the brain while developing skills to tap into these learnings for a healthier, happier you.
• Career Mentoring As a UW-Madison employee, you have access to a variety of resources and communities to engage in career mentoring.

Facilitated Learning Experiences

Consider the following courses if you want to learn to navigate change in community with others.

• Thriving in a Time of Change
  This course provides you with tools to understand the types and characteristics of change. You will also examine change management strategies and develop a personal action plan to meaningfully navigate your situation of change.
  Length: 3 hours
• Understanding and Leading Change
  Effective leaders recognize the phases of transition and the stressors individuals may face during organizational change. Many factors influence how people react to change and what tools they need to accept and succeed. This course provides participants with the skills and tools to be effective initiators, agents, and managers of change.
  Length: 2.5 hours
• Personal Resilience and Accountability
  Being personally resilient to change and stress will help you make more informed decisions and help your professional relationships thrive. Being a positive influence can help others see the possibilities rather than challenges. This course will provide tools to help you be more resilient.
  Length: 1.5 hours
• Emotional Intelligence@Work
  Practicing emotional intelligence (EQ) is an essential part of developing connections with others. In this multi-part course, you will learn and practice skills and strategies that build connection, trust, and cultivate inclusive decision-making and a sense of belonging.
• Coaching
  At UW-Madison, we prioritize being an employer of choice by providing a wide range of skill-building, experiential opportunities, tools, and resources for coaching.

Confidential Consultations

Change is bigger than work change, and work change can impact our personal lives. These resources are free and available to all UW-Madison employees.

• Employee Assistance Office
  Free and confidential counseling services for employees and their family members.
• LifeMatters
  Free and confidential assistance through 24/7 telephone access to professional counselors in support of employees’ personal and work-related concerns.
• Employee Career Counseling
  Personalized guidance service available to all UW–Madison employees that helps individuals explore, plan, and manage their career paths to achieve professional success and satisfaction.
• OMBUDS
  Seek guidance regarding workplace concerns at any time, without fear of reprisal, and at no cost.