Change is inevitable. This is a statement that is understandable even if it is distasteful. Change can be stressful, exhilarating, or even liberating. It all depends on how it is approached and managed. Change disrupts the status quo, the patterns and rituals of life to which we become rooted. This is why in the midst of change one gets a feeling of being a ship without its rudder. Change, thankfully, can be managed. Here are a few tips on how to manage change so that it becomes an opportunity rather than a disadvantage.

1. Acknowledge the disruptive nature of change. Don’t pretend that during a change that you can go on with life as usual. You can’t. The nature of change means that you will have to do things differently. Attempting to keep to the same patterns as before the change will only cause more stress and frustration to the situation
2. Write down your fears and concerns in regards to the change. The nature of fear is that it loves to remain in the dark or in hidden places in the mind where it can jump out when you are least prepared. Writing down your fears will bring them to light so that you can begin dealing with them.
3. Write an action plan for what you will do to address your concerns in regards to the change. An action plan can serve as your new anchor so that you are no longer a victim of change but a manager of the change.
4. Check off action items as they are accomplished. This will give you a sense of achievement and progress towards your goals. This is important as change can make you feel that you are no longer in control of your life. The reality is that change doesn’t take away your power to make decision concerning the steps that you take to stay in control of your life.
5. Seek help from supportive individuals that can help you manage the change and help you to achieve your goals. The key here is to surround yourself with people that will be supportive in moving you forward. Avoid engaging in group wallowing behaviors. Your goal is to use the support group to manage your way out of the currents of change towards your next level of stability.

Nothing can prevent change from occurring but these five steps can help mitigate the impact of change. Remember, change can be stressful, exhilarating, or liberating. It all depends on how you choose to manage the change. Lastly, think about what John F. Kennedy said, “Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future.” Change is a herald of the future. Manage it well.

Bio:

A dynamic and results-oriented operations, quality and organizational excellence leader with a proven record of creating, directing and executing key processes and employee/leadership engagement initiatives. Collaborative change agent capable of managing to results in complex organizations, matrix reporting relationships and transformational situations. Strong leadership development coach and mentor excelling at talent management and increasing organizational effectiveness through creating and improving processes, systems, and culture to facilitate excellence in execution across the organizational enterprise.