Many people look forward to the change in seasons and the crisper, cooler
days of fall -- sweaters, Halloween decorations, fall flowers and
football cleats. Despite the predictable seasonal changes, many find the
transition difficult.
Changes in business are inevitable, just like the seasons, but they are
occurring at a fast rate. Healthcare reform, an unpredictable economy and
the growing presence of social media (among other things) are
contributing to an environment where change is the norm. However, that
does not mean that change is always embraced.
We hope you will remember to be open to change in the workplace and the
opportunities it may bring.
Best wishes,
Leslie and Barbara
"Change is inevitable -- except
from a vending machine."
Robert C. Gallagher
A reader writes:
“I get to zero on my
inbox every day and, if not that day, I do the next. I have about 15
subfolders where a message can go when completed. I can find things
easily if needed. I love an empty inbox! Thanks for the tips.”
Elaine G. Levine
Contact Us:
Leslie Walden
404.303.8431
Barbara Skutch Mays
404.918.3664
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Committing to Change
Does
any of this apply to you?
- You
know how much more productive you wiil be
if you took the extra effort to understand a new
software program, but who has the time?
- Your
staff tells you that your deadlines are
unrealistic.
- There
are colleagues who would like to collaborate
but you prefer to work alone.
- You
haven't changed the way you keep contacts
for years and know there is a more efficient way
to do it.
- You
sometimes miss appointments (or are late).
All of these examples suggest that
making a few needed
changes will bring high returns.
How can I turn
the change to my advantage?
- Seize
the opportunity to document processes,
create templates and other infrastructure-building
activities that are so hard to prioritize in the
normal course of the work day.
- Combine
changes you
want to make with the
larger change initiative in progress -- hey, it
works for congress, right?
- Learn
from others -- you may not have to
reinvent the wheel after all.
"Life is change. Growth is
optional. Choose wisely."
How can I
manage the change effectively?
Once you have made the commitment to change a
specific behavior, you're halfway there (well, almost).
Try a few of the ideas below to get you the rest of the
way.
- Commit
to it -- whether or not the change is
your idea.
- Visualize
the end results of the change
(focus on the good parts).
- Plan
time in your calendar to implement the
change, making note of deadlines.
- Take
a trusted co-worker or colleague to lunch
and be open to their suggestions and feedback
on your change management approach.
- Allow
for and accept setbacks (which there will be).
- Keep
on keeping on, even in the face of obstacles.
What changes are
you planning to make?
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If you are committed to making long-term changes that will have a
positive impact on your work, we can help.
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