6 Ways to Respond to Change in 2016
Here is my way out-on-a-limb, super-bold prediction for 2016: Things will change, surprises will occur and a few things (if not many things) will not go as planned. Basically, Ding Will Happen.
Change is inevitable, and yet, even though we should be expecting it, it still often throws us for a mighty loop. But it doesn’t have to. Here are 6 tips you can use to deal with change quickly and effectively in 2016 (and beyond!)
1) Remember Your Big Picture
“All the same we take our chances
Laughed at by time
Tricked by circumstances
Plus ca change
Plus c’est la meme chose
The more that things change
The more they stay the same”
-Rush, “Circumstances”
The first thing you should do when change happens, big or small, is to immediately refocus on the big picture. By simply remembering what’s important, you can quickly adapt to the change by changing your tactics to still get you to where you want to go.
Children flip out when things go wrong. Intelligent adults adjust their approach and keep going. Based on the number of people I see flip out when the unexpected occurs, I can only deduce that there are few intelligent adults in the world. This is your chance to be one.
Don’t have a big picture? Well then you better go make one…
2) Make a Decision
“Ch-ch-ch-ch-Changes”
-David Bowie, “Changes”
Change has the complete ability to paralyze you. Something throws you off your plan, so you stop doing anything and sit around wishing thing were better. The problem with this is obvious: if you do nothing, your only chance of success is if things, “somehow get better on their own.” We both know that’s a rarity.
Interestingly, the paralysis comes not in the form of inaction, but in indecision. Once a decision is made, people take action. But in the face of uncertainty and change, making the decision is what’s hard.
3) Take Action
“Change changing places
Root yourself to the ground
Capitalize on this good fortune
One word can bring you round
Changes”
-Yes, “Changes”
Of course, just deciding won’t get you anywhere. Making a decision is like noticing an attractive person looking at you from across the room: It’s an important first step, but if that’s all you do you can waste a lifetime just sitting around waiting for something good to happen.
Decisions need to be followed by action. It doesn’t have to be a giant action. Just say, “yes, and” and take a step forward.
4) Stop Whining
“A change would do you good”
Sheryl Crowe, “A Change”
Few things bring out whining more than unexpected change. Unfortunately, whining does nothing to help you actually deal with the change. It just keeps you stuck. It also annoys the heck out of everyone around you.
The first step to stopping whining is to be aware that you’re doing it. It’s not that hard to notice if you just pay attention (if you ask, I am sure others will be happy to let you know when you start…).
Once you catch yourself whining, stop, and then ask yourself, “what can I do right here, right now, with what I have to make this better?”
Then go do that…
5) Look Forward, Not Backward
“Seasons change, people change”
– Expose, “Seasons Change”
The problem (or change) lies in your past. The solution lies in your future. Sure, you can study the past to find out what happened so you can make sure to not repeat errors, but if you really want to roll with the change then spend more time (a lot more time) focusing on how to make the future better.
6) Resolve to Improve the “Status Quo”
“Don’t you know things can change
Things’ll go your way
If you hold on for one more day”
-Wilson Phillips, “Hold On”
What’s funny is that when change happens, many people desperately seek to get things back to where they were “pre-change” as quickly as possible. This is stupid.
Change can be difficult and annoying, but it also serves as an oft-needed shake up. Rather than immediately trying to return to your pre-change status quo, use this opportunity to try to create a new situation that is even better than the old way.
When you find yourself trying to return to the status quo, ask yourself, “how can I make this new reality even better than things were before?”
As you prepare for 2016, keep these ideas in mind. Change is coming; those able to Respond, think fast, and flow with it are the ones who will succeed and get ahead.
Do you want help getting your team, organization, or association ready to Respond to change in 2016? If so, contact Avish now to discuss a high-energy, interactive, and highly valuable speaking presentation or training workshop!