Talk, Look & Listen
Communications are always important, but especially so when you face change. A lack of communication from others can have a negative impact, while effective communication can have a positive one. From a purely pragmatic standpoint, you need details about any changes ahead, so that you can determine how it affects you. Don’t just sit back and wait for things to happen. Talk to your boss, your boss’s boss, and your colleagues to get their perspective and ‘spin’. When dealing with work associates however, be aware that news can be distorted and can be mixed with rumours and bias and downright lies!
Part of the fear of change involves dealing with the unknown. If possible, try to minimise this factor by talking to others who have undergone such a change.
- What difficulties did they experience?
- How did they deal with them?
- How can you adapt their experiences to your own situation?
Your communications should involve more than just people in your own department or company. They should involve people in other companies as well. They might have experienced the same change, so their advice has value. They might also serve as valuable contacts should you decide to change jobs.
SWOT it!
Companies, in planning for the future, often conduct a SWOT analysis for strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT). This type of analysis can be just as helpful to you.
- What skills and strengths do you have?
- Where do you need to improve?
By understanding your own strengths and weaknesses, and knowing as much as you can about the new situation, you have a better chance of finding a place to fit in.
Bend and flex
Change requires flexibility. The better able you are to adapt to change, the greater your chances of being successful. After you complete your self-assessment, take a look at the requirements of the new situation. Maybe your current job doesn’t fit exactly into it. However, what skills, from your old role, can you apply to the new situation? In other words, instead of focusing on differences, focus on similarities. Play to your strengths.
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