Technique 7.27      Staff Reflection Worksheet: Regret During Change

Introduction

This technique is tohelp staff reflect constructively on feelings of regret experienced during organisational change; it encourages users to turn emotions into insight, learning and forward action.

Tick the box with appropriate response.

1. Understanding Your Experience

1. What aspects of the change process have triggered feelings of regret for you (if any)?
☐ A decision I made
☐ A decision the organisation made
☐ Something I did not say or do
☐ A missed opportunity
☐ Loss of familiarity/comfort
☐ Other (please describe): ____________________________

2. Write a short description of the specific situation that created the feeling of regret:

3. Exploring the Emotion

3.1 What thoughts come up when you think about this situation?
(e.g., "I should have…", "If only…")

3.2. What emotions do you notice alongside regret?
☐ Frustration
☐ Sadness
☐ Disappointment
☐ Anxiety
☐ Uncertainty
☐ Anger
☐ Relief
☐ Others (specify): ________________________

3.3. How strong is the feeling of regret?
(1 = very mild, 5 = very strong)
1 ☐ 2 ☐ 3 ☐ 4 ☐ 5 ☐

4. Making Meaning of Regret

4.1 What do you think your regret is trying to tell you?
(e.g., something important to you, a value, a belief, a concern)

4.2 What is your regret focused on?
☐ The past (what happened)
☐ The present (how things are now)
☐ The future (concerns about outcomes)

5. Which part of this situation is within your control now?
☐ My actions and choices
☐ My communication
☐ My responses going forward
☐ My mindset
☐ None of the above
(If none, move to next question 10)

4. Shifting From Rumination to Learning

4.1. Looking forward, what can you influence or improve?

4.2. What have you learned from this experience that could help you in the future?

5. What actions or conversations could reduce your regret now?
☐ Seek clarification
☐ Provide feedback
☐ Request support or training
☐ Reframe expectations
☐ Collaborate with colleagues
☐ Have a constructive conversation with my manager
☐ Other: ________________________

6. Building Forward Momentum

6.1 What small step can you take this week to move forward?

6.2 What support do you need from your manager or team to progress?

6.3. How would you like to feel about this situation in the future?

7. Optional Discussion Prompts (for coaching or team debriefs)

• What would "letting go" or "moving forward" look like for you?
• What strengths have you shown during this change that you may have overlooked?
• What part of this experience can help you support others going through similar emotions?
• If you imagine yourself six months from now, what perspective might you have on this situation?

(main source: Michelle Gibbings, 2025p)