The 7 Emojis of Change Management

Change management can be challenging, but even novel methods can significantly impact how people perceive and respond to change.

Using emojis for managing change is an innovative approach to communication.

They may seem like fun icons, but they are crucial to how we communicate, cultivate allyship, and express ourselves in the digital age.

Emojis can be powerful tools for helping people navigate and adapt to new situations by conveying emotions, building empathy, and fostering engagement.

Contrary to popular belief, using emojis in the workplace can have positive effects. ResearchGate reports that a leader’s use of positive emojis can enhance members’ creativity and make them feel less objectified.

By understanding how to use emojis effectively, change managers can better connect with stakeholders and overcome resistance to change, leading to a more dynamic company culture.

This article will explore the 7 key emojis of change management and how they can be leveraged in the change management process.

By the end of this article, you’ll understand how emojis can be used as tools for effective change management and how they can combat resistance to change.

What are change management emojis?

Change management emojis are digital characters and symbols designed to help communicate and manage change effectively.

Once considered informal, the widespread use of digital tools and platforms (e.g., WhatsApp) has shifted perceptions of emojis and their benefits.

Emojis have become a popular form of expression in modern communication and play a significant role in conveying emotions, building empathy, and fostering engagement, especially in digital contexts.

The Unicode Standard offers over 3,633 emojis, providing a range of options for users to convey empathy and nuance when communicating.

In change management, emojis can be used as visual cues to help employees and stakeholders understand various aspects of a change initiative.

For example, different emojis can represent stages of change, such as resistance, acceptance, or enthusiasm. They can also indicate emotions employees may experience, like fear, uncertainty, or excitement.

Why are change management emojis important?

With many teams relying on group chats for vital work information, emojis for change management are powerful tools for leaders aiming to improve communication and facilitate positive change.

Pioneering companies are leveraging the emotive power of these symbols to manage complex transitions and build stronger relationships with employees.

A survey by Slack shows that 58% of respondents believe emojis help convey nuance with fewer words, and 54% think they speed up workplace communication.

Change management emojis are important for several reasons, including:

• Visual communication: Emojis allow complex ideas and emotions to be communicated quickly and easily through visual cues. This is especially helpful in change management, where emotions can run high and complex ideas must be conveyed.
• Universality: Emojis transcend language barriers and are recognized across cultures, making them useful for communicating with employees and stakeholders from diverse backgrounds. This can help avoid misunderstandings and miscommunication.
• Engagement: Emojis can help increase engagement among employees and stakeholders by making communication more engaging and fun. This can help build excitement and enthusiasm around change initiatives.
• Empathy: Emojis can be used to convey empathy and understanding of the emotions that employees may be experiencing during a change initiative. This can help build trust and rapport between management and employees.

What are the 7 emojis of change management?

Now that we’ve established the importance of change management emojis, let’s explore the 7 key emojis that can be leveraged in the change management process.

• Scratching head emoji

The scratching head emoji represents confusion and uncertainty, common emotions during times of change.

As a change manager, using this emoji can help acknowledge the challenges and concerns that employees may have during a change initiative.

How they feel: When confronted with change, some individuals may freeze, as if their brain momentarily switches off, creating a temporary state of cognitive paralysis.

What you need to remind them: Provide a comprehensive overview of the key facts and reasons behind the change. Allow ample time for employees to process information and address questions, fostering clarity and engagement.

• See no evil monkey emoji

The see no evil monkey emoji can represent denial or resistance to change, as individuals may not want to face the reality of the situation.

It’s important to recognize and address this response with empathy and understanding.

How they feel: Denial is a common response to unwelcome news. Individuals may rationalize that it’s a mistake or believe the decision won’t be implemented once management evaluates it.

Alternatively, some may believe the decision is irrational and will not be implemented once management thoroughly evaluates it. This stage is characterized by uncertainty, resistance, and reluctance to accept reality.

What you need to remind them: Help them understand the logic behind the change with clear explanations and examples. Offering a deeper understanding of the reasons and benefits fosters greater commitment and enthusiasm.

• Face with steam from nose emoji

The face with steam from nose emoji often conveys frustration or annoyance, indicating resistance to change within an organization.

How they feel: At this stage, your team may feel angry and frustrated, especially if they don’t understand why the change is occurring. Fear of job loss compounds their fear and anger.

What you need to remind them: Explain the pros of the change and why the new system is better. Be open and honest about the likely outcomes, even the negative ones.

• The thinking emoji

The thinking emoji represents an employee who is hesitant about the change and may need some convincing.

How they feel: Many employees will try to minimize the impact of the change through negotiations and bargaining, expressing willingness to cooperate only to a certain extent.

What you need to remind them: They negotiate because they fear the change. Reassure them that the change is well-researched and they will be supported every step of the way.

• Loudly crying face emoji

The loudly crying face emoji represents an employee feeling very emotional and upset about a major organizational development. 

How they feel: Some will feel despondent, thinking the change is inevitable and they must go along with it, whether they like it or not.

What you need to remind them: Explain that you’re there to discuss any issues they have with the change. Create an environment where dialogue is encouraged, allowing them to talk to you or other managers and colleagues.

• The shrug emoji

The shrug emoji represents a person who is undecided or indifferent, often conveying a lack of knowledge or understanding about a topic.

How they feel: The person likely feels uncertain about the change and may need reassurance and support to overcome these feelings.

What you need to remind them: Remind them of the reasons for the change and the potential benefits. Encourage them to keep an open mind and stay positive during the transition.

• The thumbs up emoji

A thumbs-up emoji suggests that the person is supportive and enthusiastic about the change, seeing it as a positive step forward.

How they feel: They are becoming more accepting and inclined towards the idea of change. The concept has sunk in, and they are slowly supporting the new system. Congratulations, you’ve made it!

What you need to remind them:

While acknowledging their positive attitude towards the change, prepare them for potential challenges that may come with the transition.

Encourage them to stay open-minded and adaptable as the change occurs, and remind them that their enthusiasm and support will be crucial in making the change successful.

7 emojis for the 7 stages of change management

What better way to comprehend the influence of emojis in change management than by examining the seven stages of change and the emotions that encapsulate them?

In this section, we delve into the seven stages of change management, accompanied by carefully selected emojis that capture the essence of each phase.

• Awareness: The stage where individuals become aware of the need for change. 🌱 (Seedling Emoji) – Represents the beginning of growth and new possibilities.
• Desire: The stage where individuals develop a willingness to embrace change.💡 (Light Bulb Emoji) – This signifies the moment of inspiration and gaining clarity.
• Knowledge: The stage where individuals acquire the necessary knowledge and skills for the change. 📚 (Open Book Emoji) – Represents learning and acquiring new information.
• Action: The stage where individuals take action and implement the change. 🚀 (Rocket Emoji) – Symbolizes progress and launching into new horizons.
• Reinforcement: The stage where individuals receive support and reinforcement to sustain the change. 🤝 (Handshake Emoji) – Signifies collaboration, support, and teamwork.
• Integration: The stage where the change becomes integrated into the culture and daily practices. 🧩 (Puzzle Piece Emoji) – Represents the seamless fitting and merging of the change.
• Sustainment: The stage where the change becomes the new normal and is sustained over time. ⏳ (Hourglass Emoji) – Symbolizes the passage of time and the endurance of the change.

Communicating change with emojis

Emojis have emerged as a universal language of expression, and their role in change management is no exception.

In a recent study by Adobe, it was found that 68% of participants appreciate the use of emojis at work. Additionally, the study revealed that emojis positively impact likability (69%) and credibility (59%). 

By exploring the seven stages of change through emojis, we gain valuable insights into the emotional journey of individuals navigating transformation. These vibrant symbols capture the essence of each stage, foster empathy, and facilitate open dialogue.

Employers and leaders can leverage the power of emojis to navigate change more effectively, ensuring a smoother transition for all involved.

In a fascinating study by body language researcher Albert Mehrabian, it was revealed that a significant 55% of communication relies on nonverbal cues, while vocal elements contribute to 38%, leaving just a mere 7% for words alone.

These findings highlight the immense power of nonverbal communication. In a world where emojis have become prevalent, they serve as a reminder that understanding and connection can be effortlessly conveyed with just a few taps.