Embracing Change- Turning of the Seasons
Here in Colorado we finally got our first snowfall of the year. By snowfall I mean we got a slight dusting of white stuff that was basically melted by the time I left the house at 6:35 am. This snowfall usually signifies a shift in perception regarding the seasons. This is the time when people start to done jackets and boots and think about hot cocoa and the man in the red suit. (Ugh I am so not ready).
Holidays, climate changes, a shift in the retail sections...these are all clear indicators of change. These changes are tangible and predictable (for the most part). These changes I can handle. It is the changes behind closed doors that scare me. I usually don't have a problem with change, in fact I embrace it, if it is backed by clear directives and open communication. But change that happens in whispers and ambiguity is never received well. If you are a leader who is implementing change here are a few words of advice from the other side.
1. Transparency is always appreciated: There is nothing more nerve wracking then letting your employees or team imagine what is on the table. Imaginations can be a terrible thing when left up to the devices of an employee who is uncertain about their fate.
2. Closed doors freak people out: If you cannot be transparent, take the meeting or discussion offsite and away from employee ears and eyes. Doors are not impenetrable and employees can often catch snippets of conversations not meant for their ears.
3. Change can be a great thing: let you employees know what excites you about the new endeavor you are about to subject them too. If they see your excitement, they will be excited too. If the change is reactionary and will have negative effects, let employees know that you will weather the storm together, as a team.
For those of you employees that are caught up in the change, here is my advice for you.
1. Remain flexible: You are not meant to have all of the answers. Some of the answers haven't even been realized yet. Change can be a great thing, but if you make the choice all about you and the negative impact that could occur, you will not be a part of the solution.
2. Ask constructive questions: If you are new to an organization and need direction of clarification, ask. Utilize your resources. Do not ask questions that you could easily obtain yourself from the training material you received or an employee handbook. Do ask for clarification if something in those resources doesn't make sense to you.
3. Breathe!: Take a deep breathe, everything will work out one way or another. The hardest part is the wait so remain productive, set your own goals, make your own deadlines and do not rely on someone else to forge your path. Affect your own destiny, it will make you more valuable and resilient when the dust settles.
Have a productive day my friends and hold on during the winds of change.
Holidays, climate changes, a shift in the retail sections...these are all clear indicators of change. These changes are tangible and predictable (for the most part). These changes I can handle. It is the changes behind closed doors that scare me. I usually don't have a problem with change, in fact I embrace it, if it is backed by clear directives and open communication. But change that happens in whispers and ambiguity is never received well. If you are a leader who is implementing change here are a few words of advice from the other side.
1. Transparency is always appreciated: There is nothing more nerve wracking then letting your employees or team imagine what is on the table. Imaginations can be a terrible thing when left up to the devices of an employee who is uncertain about their fate.
2. Closed doors freak people out: If you cannot be transparent, take the meeting or discussion offsite and away from employee ears and eyes. Doors are not impenetrable and employees can often catch snippets of conversations not meant for their ears.
3. Change can be a great thing: let you employees know what excites you about the new endeavor you are about to subject them too. If they see your excitement, they will be excited too. If the change is reactionary and will have negative effects, let employees know that you will weather the storm together, as a team.
For those of you employees that are caught up in the change, here is my advice for you.
1. Remain flexible: You are not meant to have all of the answers. Some of the answers haven't even been realized yet. Change can be a great thing, but if you make the choice all about you and the negative impact that could occur, you will not be a part of the solution.
2. Ask constructive questions: If you are new to an organization and need direction of clarification, ask. Utilize your resources. Do not ask questions that you could easily obtain yourself from the training material you received or an employee handbook. Do ask for clarification if something in those resources doesn't make sense to you.
3. Breathe!: Take a deep breathe, everything will work out one way or another. The hardest part is the wait so remain productive, set your own goals, make your own deadlines and do not rely on someone else to forge your path. Affect your own destiny, it will make you more valuable and resilient when the dust settles.
Have a productive day my friends and hold on during the winds of change.
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