How to Build Teams That Thrive During Times of Change

29 March 2025

Change is inevitable. Whether it’s a shift in company goals, a reorganization, or external disruptions like a pandemic, one thing is clear: the ability to adapt makes or breaks a team. But let’s be honest—change isn’t easy. It’s messy, often uncomfortable, and can leave even the best of us feeling unsettled. That’s why building teams that don’t just survive but thrive during these periods is essential. So, how do you make it happen? Let’s break it down.

Why Change Shakes Teams to Their Core

Before diving into the solutions, it’s crucial to understand why change can be so destabilizing. Teams are built on routines, trust, and predictability. When change swoops in, it’s like yanking the rug out from under them. People may worry about their roles, responsibilities, or even job security. Sound familiar?

In addition, there’s the emotional toll. Change can trigger anxiety, fear, and resistance. And let’s not forget—it’s human nature to cling to what’s familiar. But here’s the good news: with the right strategies, you can turn all that uncertainty into opportunity. Yes, really.

The Foundation of Thriving Teams: Trust and Communication

1. Build Unshakeable Trust

Imagine trying to row a boat with someone who doesn’t trust you. It’s not just awkward—it’s ineffective. Trust is the core of any team, and it’s even more critical during times of change. If your team doesn’t feel like they can count on you—or each other—things will spiral faster than you can say “organizational restructuring.”

How do you build trust? Start with transparency. Be honest about what’s happening, even when the news isn’t great. Follow through on promises and be consistent. Also, get comfortable with vulnerability. Let your team know that you don’t have all the answers—and that’s okay.

2. Over-Communicate (Without the Overload)

Let me be clear: you can’t expect your team to thrive if they’re left in the dark. People hate uncertainty, and silence often gets interpreted as something worse than the truth. So, communicate—and do it often.

Use multiple channels: emails, team meetings, one-on-ones, or even a quick Slack message to check in. But here’s the catch: don’t bombard them with irrelevant details. Keep your messaging concise, clear, and consistent. Think of it like a GPS during a road trip—give them just enough guidance to feel secure but not overwhelmed.

Create a Culture of Adaptability

3. Normalize Change as Part of the Game

Let me hit you with a truth bomb: Change isn’t going anywhere. So why not make it a part of your team’s DNA? Shift the mindset from “change is hard” to “change is an opportunity.”

Here’s a tip: Share success stories of how the team has tackled past changes and smashed it out of the park. Celebrate flexibility like it’s your team’s secret superpower. The more normal change feels, the less scary it becomes.

4. Embrace a Growth Mindset

If you want your team to thrive during change, instill a growth mindset. Encourage them to see setbacks as lessons, not failures. Remind them that learning curves are just part of the process. And set the example—it’s hard for your team to embrace growth if you’re digging your heels in at every turn.

Empower Your Team to Take Ownership

5. Give Them Autonomy

Micromanaging during times of change? Big mistake. Trust your team to make decisions and solve problems without constantly looking over their shoulders. Empower them to step up and take ownership of their roles. When people feel in control, their confidence soars—and so does their ability to rise to the occasion.

6. Encourage Collaboration

Here’s the thing about change—it’s not something you can tackle solo. Encourage your team to lean on each other. Use collaborative tools, like project management platforms or brainstorming sessions, to foster teamwork. Think of it like a human pyramid: the only way to reach new heights is by supporting each other.

Provide Stability Amid Chaos

7. Establish Clear Priorities

During times of change, everything can feel like a priority, and that’s a one-way ticket to burnout. Help your team focus by setting clear, realistic priorities. Let them know what’s urgent, what can wait, and what doesn’t need their energy at all. When the path is clear, the journey feels a whole lot less daunting.

8. Be a Rock for Your Team

Change can feel like a storm, and your role is to be the lighthouse. Be the calm, steady presence they can turn to when things get rough. That doesn’t mean you won’t feel the pressure—it just means you’re committed to leading with grace under fire. Show empathy, show up, and show that you’ve got their backs.

Invest in Growth and Development

9. Offer Training and Resources

Change often comes with new challenges, and your team may need new skills to meet them. Don’t just throw them into the deep end without a life raft. Provide training, resources, and tools to help them succeed. Think of it like giving them a Swiss Army knife—they’ll feel prepared for anything.

10. Recognize Achievements

Let’s face it: adapting to change takes effort. So, when your team rises to the occasion, recognize it. Whether it’s a shoutout in a meeting, an email of appreciation, or even a small reward, acknowledging their hard work goes a long way. It’s like giving them a high-five for their resilience and grit.

Manage Change Like a Pro

11. Lead by Example

Want your team to stay cool under pressure? Show them how it’s done. Your attitude sets the tone for the entire group. If you approach change with optimism and determination, your team is likely to follow suit. Remember, they’re watching your every move—so lead like you mean it.

12. Be Open to Feedback

Newsflash: Leadership isn’t a one-way street. During times of change, your team’s insights are more valuable than ever. Ask for feedback regularly and use it to adjust your approach. It’s like taking the pulse of your team—if you’re off-track, their input will guide you back.

Long-Term Strategies for Thriving Teams

Thriving during change isn’t just about survival—it’s about setting your team up for long-term success. Focus on cultivating a culture of resilience, adaptability, and trust. Build strong foundations when times are good so that when the next wave of change hits, your team is ready to ride it instead of getting swept under.

Final Thoughts

Building teams that thrive during times of change isn’t about avoiding the storm—it’s about teaching them to dance in the rain. By focusing on trust, communication, adaptability, and empowerment, you’ll create a team that’s not just resilient but unstoppable. Change may be inevitable, but struggling through it doesn’t have to be.