Q. What can I do to manage change where staff are not used to change and are fearful of it, believing every rumour and having no trust in management?

A. Help them trust you.

Until you can build their trust in you they will continue to resist any change you propose.

So give them as many reasons to trust you as you can.

• Do what you say you will do.
• Communicate openly and honestly about what will change and how.
• Point out the things that will NOT change as well as what will be different.
• If you don’t know something, say so.
• Be consistent and demonstrate your own openness to change.

And brush up on your change management skills.