The first thing we must do is acknowledge that things continually change. Simple and obvious perhaps however many will delude themselves into believing life is stable, secure and constant and that maintenance of the status-quo is worth investing the energy in, in order to maintain that position.
Once change is accepted as a constant and as its consequences effect us personally it is vital that we seek to understand the (revised) vision of the future that the forces of change are moving towards. Companies that we work for may have change thrust upon them and will adjust how they operate to met a perceived need or desired future state. For the individual we must understand what that future will look like and then align ourselves to the vision or we will be left behind and ultimately ejected from the process and the final outcome.
Understand that worrying about the future is useless. If you don’t believe me… what where you worried about on the same day last year? Accepting the principle (or reality) that NOW IS THE ONLY TIME WE REALLY HAVE and that we must live in the present whilst looking to the future, rather than sitting around relishing the past a is key to our survival.
Realize that the best way to cope with change is as I said to approach it as inevitable and use it as an opportunity to satisfy the priorities and desires we have set. Sure this takes some effort and creative thinking however you can usually find opportunities in new ways of doing things if you are prepared to work at it.
If your company is merging or restructuring insert yourself in the change process so you can influence to the outcome.
Commit yourself productively to others who are trying to solve problems or capitalise on new opportunities. Get on board with the movers and shakers in your organization and let them know you want to be involved.
Learn to adapt… even the most basic observation of nature demonstrates that those that have the greatest capability to survive are those that are most adaptable.
Develop a greater range of competences. The days of just being the best ‘technician’ (engineer) are long gone. Even if you do have an engineering degree limiting yourself to one discipline is dangerous due to the rapid change in technologies and the ever changing priorities of society and business.
Think about the broader issues and needs of the role you fulfill. During a restructure would you choose for example the accountant with problem solving and team building skills or just the ‘best’ at accounting?
Seek new experiences, new skills, and continuos education; broadly based knowledge and experience is always in demand. Understand that the responsibility for me is mine alone; take the lead in your own life.
The more we involve ourself in the change process and succeed the better we understand that we can survive change. The payoff is increased confidence.
Accept the thought that… TO SOME PEOPLE LIFE IS ABOUT FINDING ANSWERS, IN TIMES OF CHANGE PERHAPS LIFE NEEDS TO BE MORE ABOUT FINDING AND DEALING WITH MORE INTERESTING QUESTIONS.
Do not become part of the “but we’ve always done it this way” group or you will become just another victim, which you must refuse to be. Avoid the ‘grumble about the good old days group’ at all costs.
Realize that becoming a ‘victim of circumstances’ is vastly overrated, as there is always a positive alternative. We all choose the variables that make up our life. No many say no I have no way out of my circumstances, well at times it may not be easy however we all have a choice to stay in the game we’re in or change to a different team, location or even a different career path altogether.
Remember that the most important choice we have is whether we develop a positive (or negative) attitude toward life’s realities.
As I alluded to above… if we don’t like or can’t support the changes at our workplace we can leave, as painful as that my be. If you choose this option do it with grace and integrity as those in your past may come around as influences in your future. Happened to me twice.
Believe that all and every company and/or our position in a company is constantly changing and that it is a natural state of affairs, or as one career advice organization puts it: “all jobs are temporary”.
Honestly accept that you always have other possibilities, if you can do this and make it a lifelong attitude… you will truly be empowered. If you can’t accept empowerment and personal responsibly for “outcomes”, best find a way to leave the planet.
Often success during change can simply be a realization that… YOU MAY NOT HAVE A CHOICE ABOUT WORKPLACE CHANGES HOWEVER YOU DO HAVE A CHOICE ON HOW YOU RESPOND!
Finally, study the industry you work in, look for trends, look to educate yourself in the areas that are developing, read your industry journals and take a general interest in business and the discussions of the likely future state of specifically your company, generally your industry and broadly of business overall. Everyday needs a little time invested in preparing for our future.
Thinking of making a dramatic change and leaving your current employer? The resume form link will help if you are looking for “greener pastures”.
