The choice of change
Which door will you choose?
Do you see change as an opportunity or a threat?
When faced with an unwelcome change, you have a choice. Do you become a victim of circumstance, or do you take time to evaluate what positives you can find?
Many people will be worried about losing their job as a result of the pandemic and it’s never a good feeling when your name appears on the list of people who are going to be ‘let go’. No matter how much you tell yourself (and are told by the company) that it’s not personal, it’s hard not to feel a bit hurt and unloved.
I remember a time several years ago when I had to make three managers redundant as a result of a restructure in a company I worked for. I knew all three of the managers well and I liked them all - but the needs of the business had changed and I had no choice but to ‘let them go’. It is no fun as a manager telling someone that they are being redundant but I learned a lot from the way each of the individuals responded.
The first manager was angry and went into full victim mode. ‘I have worked for this company for years; I have taken on roles I didn’t want in the past so I could stay in the company; and I’m 40 - how am I going to get another job?’ He had a real sense of entitlement.
The second manager said in a roundabout way that he had seen it coming and had already started his own business. He just wanted to know how quickly he could take the money and run.
The third manager said ‘thank you’. I’ve been needing a kick-up the backside to take the next step in my career. I’ve been in my comfort zone for too long.
What I realised from these very different responses was the importance of having your own personal life plan and being prepared for change when it happens - especially when it relates to your job. It’s always a great idea to have a plan B and be ready when life deals you a bad hand.
Please do get in touch if you want help with learning about some great ways to be better prepared for change when it happens to you - [email protected]
