Change Is In My DNA

I’ve moved 30 times in my life, held 12 major functional roles in business, married more than once, been part of 18 critical change initiatives (e.g., business transformations, technology upgrades, merger/acquisitions), and recently redecorated my dining room.

Since growing up in a military family, my entire life has been a “dance” of changes, and I wouldn’t have had it any other way. I have loved and learned from all of my successes and challenges, even if I didn’t appreciate them all at the time.

If you, too, are someone who welcomes change, it’s important to remember not everyone does.

For many, change is not easy, popular, or comfortable. For some, it’s difficult to shift perspectives, attitudes, and current ways of doing things. And when multiple things change at once, or different changes occur one right after the other, it can even be paralyzing. Anticipating what’s coming next, assuming the worse, and waiting for the next shoe to drop are typical reactions by folks who struggle … and the stress builds and builds.

In the world of work, there are multiple change management processes, methodologies, and professional companies who help others through change. It takes serious thought, planning, buy in, the right approach, and the right support to make successful, sustainable change happen in an organization. Utilize these resources if you are challenged with leading change; ask colleagues for ideas; read about the critical change lifecycle components to understand how others may react and feel when change is “forced” on them.

Of course, change isn’t relegated only to work. In life, it’s often present … even if it’s not life-changing (or earth-shattering). And there are many reasons why people don’t like change. I remember an episode of a TV program where one roommate changed the living room furniture arrangement to surprise the other, and it didn’t go so well. Why? Although the other person really liked the original layout better than the new one, the key reason for the anger was that he hadn’t been asked first.

So, where do you fall? If you love change, be sensitive to those who don’t; if you are challenged with change, seek support from others. Remember, nobody changes without impacting others in some way – we are in it together.

This Week:  Think of a recent change that has happened in work or life, big or small. How did you initially react? How did you feel? What did you do (or not do) to embrace the change? If others were involved, how did you support them? Or how did you ask for help if you struggled? What can you do differently next time? If you’re looking for resources – in work or life – contact us; we can help.

In Next Week’s Post: Stop talking. Start doing.