Culture Corner: Adapting to Change

Change is Inevitable, Growth is Optional
How do you react when there’s change? How do those around you react? One thing is certain, change affects everyone differently.Some find change difficult, it’s scary and can be paralyzing, others are uneasy about it but can work through it, while another group may see change as a challenge and they’re ready to meet it head on.

I vividly remember being told on a companywide conference call more than a decade ago, accept change or find a new profession because change is the new normal. WHAT? I believe that statement caused everyone on that call to pause, chances are for many it caused panic.

Turns out, that statement was spot on, because across the country over the past decade, change truly has become the new normal. Businesses have adjusted to new technology, a changing economy, and an ever-changing workforce. Think of all the change you’ve faced yourself, personally and professionally over the past few years. No matter what the circumstance, you learn from change and over time, if you chose to embrace it, you will find change can be a good thing, something positive.

Embracing change doesn’t happen overnight and it takes some work on your part. When you hear about change happening, if the first thing you think about is, how does this impact me, that’s okay, it’s normal. But because your mind is whirling, going through all the scenarios of how that change will impact you, often you miss the rest of the information.While those rolling out the change need to communicate it effectively, your role as a team member is to make sure you are open to it, and that begins with understanding it. Here are a few tips to help you adapt:

• Ask questions. If you don’t understand why the change is happening or exactly how it impacts you and your co-workers, you should ask. The better you understand the reasons behind the change, the easier it is to accept.
• Stay positive. Even if you don’t agree with the change or are having trouble adjusting, staying positive is key. Change can be difficult, you may learn new ways of doing things, keeping a positive outlook, seeing it as a growth opportunity, can make a huge difference.
• Offer feedback. When change is rolled out, rarely is it a perfect. As an employee, be willing to offer solid feedback to your leader, but never complain about the process, simply point out what might not be working. Share suggestions/ideas. Better yet, point out something that’s not working and challenge yourself to share your ideas on how to fix the issue.

Challenge yourself to react differently the next time change is introduced into your life, at work and at home. Seek to understand and embrace it. We heard over a decade ago on our phone call that change is inevitable. What we have learned since that call is, when we accept change, we find a side effect to be growth, something that positively impacts our lives forever.