Dealing with Change
On September 11, 2001, when two hijacked airplanes crashed into the World Trade Center in the US, practically the course of the entire world came to a standstill. Yes, often we are fed with the notion that change is as inevitable as it is constant, but the attack was one of a scale so enormous that the world was forever altered. At the time, it felt as though the ‘good old days’ was a thing of history; peace –if it had ever existed –was assumed gone forever.
However, just as people’s hopes for a peaceful future went on a decline, life went on. Sure, we wouldn’t deny that there are those who fared better than others in comparison, but what truly mattered was simply that in the light of the tragedy, people all over began changing their ways in order to adapt and grow accordingly.
Time passes, and now its more than 9 years after the tragedy, we have all adapted and dealt with it in our own way. Does it have to take us to Ground Zero, before we learn how to adapt and deal with changes? No, we can choose to quickly and easily deal with changes with a more empowered attitude.
Business organizations are the same.
All progressive organizations recognize the importance of fostering the ability to change and therefore take serious measures and preparations in welcoming them. Fact is, the business world is dynamic and volatile, if you can’t keep pace, chances are you will fall so far behind there is not catching up. Imagine if you were running a digital printing shop but the equipments remained of the yesteryear’s technology? Your business might’ve been prosperous five years ago –good on you –but to stay complacent instead of working for improvement is just another way of saying ‘I Quit’. Why, because like everything else, business is a work in progress; there is no room for complacency. Not to mention, change is a tool to improve the quality of employee’s skills –the same way that the September 11 attack led people around the globe to develop greater conscience in sensitive issues, change in a workplace encourage employees to seek new ideas as well as new ways in doing things.
Unfortunately, when speaking of change, you’d find people wince as thought they were looking at something rather painful. Unsurprisingly, change is not always welcomed by workforce especially when they are comfortable with the security that the mundane provides. Of course, the “what if” scenario is very daunting but pursuing change and growth is necessary to be competitive –it is the instrument that has provided for organizational growth. Therefore, how does one deal with change in an organization? First, realize that change happens, so keep a positive mental attitude. In other words, if you were told that CCTV’s were to be installed in the office, don’t be quick to revolt. Find the positive benefits behind the proposed change and accept it as you go along. Acceptance keeps your mind calm and positive. The minute you accept that a change has occurred, you immediately become more capable of dealing with it and turning it to your advantage.
In the mean time, utilize the benefits of communication too. The importance of communication should increase by leaps and bounds in times of change for it can be confusing. People would want details and time to muse on how it would affect them. Well, take action –talk to your managers, discuss, gain the information you need and you will be way on your way to dealing with change effectively. Remember that continued communication can ensure that all questions are answered and that problems are dealt with. Be part of the team, keep yourself in the know and you will find coping with change a walk in the park.
MWS Workshop 'Dealing with Change' will provide you with even more tips, tools and techniques to help you deal with change and make a difference. MiniWorkshopSeries is changing the way organizations learn by introducing the MWS Licensing Options.
