Going from New to Normal: Navigating Change in Leadership and Learning

Picture this: it’s early morning, and as I make the bed, something I do every day, I’m met with our comforter set. Funny enough, when I first bought it, my wife and I were on opposite sides of the bed (get it?) about whether it really fit our room. Yet here we are today, and that comforter set is now the perfect match. What changed? Somewhere between "jury’s still out" and "just right," it became... normal. And it hit me: how much of leadership, especially in Learning & Development (L&D), is about this journey from New to Normal.

So, what does going from New to Normal mean for leaders? Well, it’s about guiding people through that uncertain space between what’s unfamiliar and the comfort of the familiar. And it doesn’t happen overnight. Here’s what I’ve learned about navigating this process—and why sometimes it’s just like making your bed every day.

The Journey: From New to Normal

We’ve all seen it, a new process, a fresh tool, a new LMS, a change in leadership, and the initial reaction ranges from excitement to trepidation. There’s a period when everyone’s still adjusting, and while we’d all love change to stick right away, the reality is that it’s a journey. In leadership and L&D, our role is to shepherd teams and individuals through this journey, bridging the gap from uncertainty to acceptance; from “Is this really for me?” to “I can’t imagine working without this.”

Tactics for Leading the Journey

1. Get Comfortable with the Uncomfortable
   Like settling into a new comforter set, there’s often an initial phase of adjustment. Encourage people to stay open-minded and to give the change a chance. Remind them (gently) that resistance to change is normal, and not an indicator that something isn’t working. In L&D, this might mean letting teams "try on" new tools and processes without committing fully right away.
2. Provide Structure but Allow Flexibility
   Making the bed has a routine to it, but there’s room for adjustment—maybe the pillows are arranged a little differently each day. Similarly, provide a clear structure for people as they navigate change, but leave room for personal adaptation. Structure breeds security, which helps people settle in and eventually embrace the “new.”
3. Celebrate Small Wins on the Way
   Each day the bed gets made, it’s a tiny victory (one you’ll appreciate even more at bedtime!). In L&D, celebrating progress—however small—helps people see how far they’ve come and gives them the confidence to keep going. Recognize milestones, no matter how minor they might seem, because they’re signs that the New is slowly becoming the Normal.
4. Stay Alert to Red Flags
   Every so often, you notice something about that comforter—maybe a snag or a thread that’s come loose. The same applies in change management: pay attention to signs that something might not be working as expected. Whether it’s frustration with a process, feedback that’s consistently critical, or disengagement, these signs mean it might be time to adjust the approach. Staying observant allows you to make proactive changes that support, rather than hinder, the transition to Normal.

When It’s Time to Rethink the Route

Not all change journeys go smoothly, and sometimes we realize halfway through that a course correction is necessary. Think of it like that time I considered swapping out the comforter; sometimes we try new approaches that might not end up being the best fit. Be open to tweaking your strategies and help teams embrace the reality that even in the New-to-Normal journey, a little flexibility can be the game changer.

Wrapping It Up

In L&D and leadership, moving people from New to Normal isn’t about forcing a square peg into a round hole—it’s about giving space and support for change to settle naturally. Just like a comforter that eventually finds its place, the changes we champion need time, patience, and the occasional adjustment. As leaders, our role is to navigate, celebrate, and support our teams on this journey.

So, whether it’s making the bed each day or leading a team through new initiatives, remember: what feels “new” today can easily become “normal” tomorrow—if we’re willing to stick with it and lead the way.