When the clouds of unanticipated change begin to form in the workplace, there’s a natural tendency to predict rough seas ahead and wave after wave of resistance. How we react to the stormy atmosphere of change can make a big difference in how we enjoy our work and even our career success. Change can be a valuable gift with priceless opportunities for you to shine. Here are some guidelines for smooth sailing through change:
Control your attitude and you will win where others fail. In today’s increasingly changing workplace, a positive attitude is most likely a person’s best survival tool. The best way to protect your paycheck and your career is to help fix things. You will be more valuable if you deliberately choose to be positive, optimistic and enthusiastic.
Change requires flexibility and resilience. You need to learn how to respond quickly and flexibly to new demands. The better able you are to adapt to change, the greater your chances of being successful. If Plan A doesn’t work, be willing to regroup, improvise and create Plan B.
Be tolerant of management mistakes. In managing transition and change, there is no such thing as “zero mistakes.” During this time of trial and error, it’s easy to focus on what’s going wrong. Support higher management. The first law of corporate survival is “Keep your boss’s boss off your boss’s back!
Keep your sense of humor. When change isn’t going well and you’re surrounded by chaos, a good hardy laugh can lift your spirits. If you’re stressed, there’s a pretty good chance that others around you feel the same way. Sharing a laugh with your co-workers can do wonders for releasing pressure and creating a more upbeat workplace.
Be a fixer. Build a name for yourself as a problem-solver. Change always brings problems. Be solution driven. Develop a reputation for getting things done. Help invent the future for your business.
Continue to learn. Stretch and grow. Make learning a lifelong endeavor.
Strive for a well-balanced life. It’s easier to keep your work worries in proportion if you don’t define yourself solely by your profession and resume. You have varied talents and abilities, but your job uses just some of your skills. Take time to develop interests and goals that are different from what you do at the office. Focus on the people in your life. During times of tension on the job, a well-balanced life will help you maintain your self-confidence.
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