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“Creating Successful Leaders”

Category Archives: Transitions

August 9, 2023 Navigating Change: Tips for Staying Agile in a Dynamic Environment

Over the years, workplaces have undergone significant changes. As technology, society’s wants/needs, and preferences or styles change, so does the business landscape. And as the workplace changes, so do people’s roles, responsibilities, and expectations. If you’ve had a sixty-year career, it’s possible you began your profession with a typewriter, hand-delivered memos, and in-person meetings and then, in the 1990s and ‘00s, had to shift to typing on a computer and tele-conferencing. After that, you may have had to shift again to working remotely, communicating through email and Slack, and meeting over Zoom. And that’s just one small example of all the changes the workplace has undergone.

With businesses always on the move, the workforce has had to be highly adaptive and agile. Employees have had to modify the way they communicate, problem solve, and process information. In some cases, they have to undergo additional training to prepare for new technology, new roles, or new operations. It can all be overwhelming and exhausting.

How can you stay on top of your game and stay agile in an ever-changing environment? Here are a few tips:

Embrace change.

The first step to staying agile is to accept that change is an inevitable part of any organization. Instead of resisting it, embrace it as an opportunity to learn and grow. Be open to new ideas, new technologies, and new ways of doing things. If change is going to happen anyway, it’s best to roll with the punches and be willing to learn and grow.

Stay informed.

To navigate change successfully, you need to stay informed about what’s happening within your organization and your industry. Attend conferences, read industry publications, and network with your colleagues. If your workplace offers any relevant training, be sure to sign up if you can (or request additional training if it isn’t offered). This will help you stay up-to-date on the latest trends and best practices.

Be proactive.

Don’t wait until change happens to start adapting. Anticipate change and take preemptive steps to prepare for it. Identify potential challenges, develop contingency plans, and seek out additional classes or resources to help you stay ahead of the curve.

Collaborate.

Change affects everyone in an organization, so it’s important to collaborate with your colleagues to ensure a smooth transition. Work together to identify potential solutions, share information and best practices, and provide support to one another. Having a support system can be incredibly valuable during times of transition, and if everyone is experiencing the same struggles, that might mean the new system/technology/operation is flawed and can, potentially, be changed.

Take care of yourself.

Change can be stressful, so it’s important to take care of yourself both physically and mentally. Take all the normal steps to look out for your wellbeing—get enough sleep, eat a healthy diet, and exercise regularly. You may also want to pause throughout the day to recharge and process what you’re going through. Journaling can also be a useful tool for processing new information.

As you navigate the ever-changing landscape of the modern workplace, remember that you are not alone. Change can be daunting, but staying agile is all about embracing the new, collaborating, and taking care of yourself. With the right mindset and tools, you can thrive and grow, no matter what changes come your way. So, keep an open mind, stay connected, and remember to take care of yourself. Here’s to a successful journey navigating change!

MARGARET SMITH IS A CAREER COACH, AUTHOR, INSIGHTS® DISCOVERY (AND DEEPER DISCOVERY) LICENSED PRACTITIONER, AND FOUNDER OF UXL. SHE HOSTS WORKSHOPS FOR PEOPLE WHO NEED CAREER OR PERSONAL GUIDANCE. 
CHECK OUT MARGARET’S ONLINE LEADERSHIP COURSE. 

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March 8, 2023 The Courage to Change Your Mind

A version of this post was first published on July 29, 2020.

“Sometimes a hypocrite is nothing more than a man in the process of changing.”

Brandon Sanderson, Author of Oathbringer

It takes courage to admit when you’re wrong, and it takes even more courage to shift your perspective and open yourself to change. The older we get, the easier it is to do things the same way day in, day out. We become entrenched in our beliefs, and it becomes more and more difficult to shift our way of thinking.

In psychology, this “set in your ways” attitude is called mental rigidity.

While it’s normal and healthy to have a routine, mental rigidity goes a step further. It limits how you see the world, makes you less adaptable, and causes you to be closed off to new ideas or perspectives. As one article puts it, “Mental rigidity cuts off the wings you need for imagination, improvement, and exploring new places.”

Mental rigidity can also make it difficult to have empathy–to walk a mile in another’s shoes. We become accustomed to one reality, one way of life, and that becomes the ONLY way. However, different people hail from different backgrounds and have different experiences and beliefs. We can’t necessarily KNOW what another person is thinking or feeling, but we can attempt to UNDERSTAND.

When you introduce yourself to different perspectives, beliefs, and vantage points, you do something a little scary: You open yourself to the possibility that your deeply entrenched attitudes and ways to thinking might change.

Change is never easy, especially when others expect you to remain the same. When you begin to shift your perspective or beliefs, you might face criticism from those who think you’re a “hypocrite” or “wishy-washy.”

I challenge you to stick to your guns and make an honest effort to change, if you believe that change is necessary. Recognize that you are doing yourself a service in the long run, and others’ snide remarks can’t stop you from continuing to learn and grow.

On the same token, be gracious to those who change their minds. No one has all the answers, and it’s okay to learn and evolve. In fact, it is healthy.

So, be fearless. Challenge your assumptions and be bold enough to get uncomfortable. It is only when we dare to step outside our comfort zones that we can truly expand our horizons and potentially change our points of view.

MARGARET SMITH IS A CAREER COACH, AUTHOR, INSIGHTS® DISCOVERY LICENSED PRACTITIONER, AND FOUNDER OF UXL. SHE HOSTS WORKSHOPS FOR PEOPLE WHO NEED CAREER OR PERSONAL GUIDANCE. 

HER NEW EBOOK IS CALLED A QUICK GUIDE TO COURAGE.

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August 31, 2022 Act! (Even if the Conditions Aren’t Perfect)

We’re told to “make hay when the sun shines,” but what if the sun never comes out? What if conditions remain overcast, at best? Sometimes, we have to adapt, re-strategize, and move forward anyway. Sometimes, we simply have to act.

Rarely will conditions be 100 percent perfect. If you’re looking for an excuse to put something off, chances are you’ll find it. There’s always a reason to not take on that challenging work project, write your novel, have a child, travel abroad, start your own business…the list goes on. Sometimes, you just have to jump in with both feet and figure things out as you go.

Additionally, it’s impossible to plan for every bump in the road. You will run into unexpected obstacles, experience temporary setbacks and all-out failures, and take unexpected twists. When this happens, it’s import to roll with the punches and adopt a growth mindset (more on growth mindsets in last week’s post).

When you’re on the brink of a major decision or action, try to keep the following 8 tidbits in mind:

  • Progress is not achieved through inaction.
  • You can still succeed if conditions are not perfect.
  • Others have risen above adversity when the odds were stacked against them. For example: After someone stole his shoes, Native American track and field legend, Jim Thorpe, found two shoes (of different sizes) in a trash bin, put them on, and won two Olympic gold medals.
  • No one achieves greatness or makes positive change through inaction.
  • Your actions don’t have to be unsupported. Leverage whatever resources (others’ expertise, databases, classes, grants, a mentor’s advice, etc.) are at your disposal.
  • You are adaptable and resilient enough to overcome adversity or setbacks.
  • Inaction is often just an excuse; don’t give in to your fears!
  • It’s okay to figure things out as you go.

If you are delaying taking action on something, I urge you to ask yourself why. Face your trepidations, strategize as best you can, and jump in! You’ll rarely find the perfect conditions to act, so you might as well plow ahead using whatever resources are available. Even if things don’t turn out as expected, you can still hold your head high knowing you had the courage to act.

MARGARET SMITH IS A CAREER COACH, AUTHOR, INSIGHTS® DISCOVERY (AND DEEPER DISCOVERY) LICENSED PRACTITIONER, AND FOUNDER OF UXL. SHE HOSTS WORKSHOPS FOR PEOPLE WHO NEED CAREER OR PERSONAL GUIDANCE. 

HER NEW EBOOK IS CALLED A QUICK GUIDE TO COURAGE
CHECK OUT MARGARET’S ONLINE LEADERSHIP COURSE.

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