“When the rate of change outside exceeds the rate of change inside, the end is in sight.” Jack Welch
Change – it is actually something you can be sure of, like death and taxes. And organizations that learn not to fear change, and actually welcome it, prepare themselves to be significant players in today’s economy. Welcoming and responding to change is the responsibility of both management and employees – it is learned behavior. It is management’s role to help build a nimble, resilient and flexible organization that can zig when zigging is right, and zag when it is time to zag. This responsiveness helps employees feel supported and in control when much of the world around them is uncertain. This helps employees stay focused on the mission, goals and direction of the organization, regardless of magnitude of change around them.
Employees who learn that change is nothing more than an opportunity to invent something new, develop a new skill and continue to learn, openly welcome times of change. They are optimistic and upbeat as they see its value both personally and professionally.
Handling change successfully is a mindset. Change is the new constant. Stay ahead of change and use it to grow, and your organization will survive. Fight change, hold onto the past and continue to use old thinking, and your days are numbered. Fired Up! workplaces take change in stride, know it is just another part of an exciting and high performance day. What is your organization’s perspective of change? What is your plan to zig and zag?
For help creating a culture that accommodates change, check out my book, Fire Up! Your Employees and Smoke Your Competition.
For help dealing with change, see Ariane de Bonvoisin’s outstanding website and great book, The First 30 Days: Your Guide to Making Any Change Easier
