Crystallizations
Embracing CHANGE
February 2009
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Greetings!
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Did you have a good beginning to the new year? February is the one month where I run out of days before I run out of money. How about you?
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Embracing CHANGE
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 "The way we communicate with others and with ourselves
ultimately determines the quality of our lives."
- Anthony Robbins
Are you in a situation where you have to lead change in your
organization? Or are you feeling like
change is being foisted on you without any consideration of your
situation? Join the crowd. In these days, we seem to be in one position
or the other.
Limited communication = limited results
Organizations with the most serious problems accepting
change are those where the communication is limited. Think about it. If you know what's coming, you are much more
likely to accept it than if you suddenly get hit over the head with it.
If you are in a position to lead change, effective
communication can create buy-in from the team.
Understand that effective communication is not a one-sided effort. Effective communication also includes
listening. Getting input from your team
is critical. Incorporating what you can
of your team members' suggestions will help make the situation more tolerable
for everyone, and in turn make the change go more smoothly.
Team members need to communicate effectively, too. Having an open mind toward the situation is
an important first step. Understand that compromise may mean giving up a little
for the overall effort. This process is more successful if the team members
come up with suggestions, rather than simply throw up obstacles.
Kill the rumors
Another important part of this puzzle is to immediately put
an end to rumors. In organizations where
there is a lack of communication, especially when people feel stressed and
uncertain, rumors will fill the void. Both
management and the team members have a role to play in extinguishing this
problem. Rumors should signal management
to address the issues directly with the team.
As an employee, when you hear a rumor, the best course of
action is to go directly to the person in the organization who would know the
truth (perhaps HR or a manager). You need
to stop the rumor in its tracks. When
someone tells you something that you haven't confirmed, repeat it to the person
who told you. Then let the information die. It serves no one to spread
unverified information, but sometimes it's so tempting. (Somehow repeating it to the person who
initially told you satisfies that urge.)
Telling the truth
One more point about communicating...telling the truth makes the
whole process easier. As a manager, there may be information you aren't ready
to share. But make sure you don't tell
your team information that is not true. For
both managers and team members, telling the truth ultimately makes remembering
easier and builds your credibility.
In March, I'll give you some suggestions on creating buy-in
from the people in your organization. I
hope you have a marvelous month.
Need help dealing with change in your organization? |
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Visit the Snorting Pug Music Shoppe
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My friend, Denise Gregoire, has been collecting records for ages.
Now she's sharing those vinyl albums (remember those?) and CDs at Craftiques Mall, 6751 Bandera Road, 210-523-0232.
Denise specializes in music from the 1930s-1960s a specialty and includes country, pop, rock and roll, Spanish/Tex Mex, jazz, big band and classical Denise also has some beautiful one-of-a-kind gift
items, including jewelry.
If you are looking for specific items as gifts or to complete your collection, you can email Denise at dmg@d4haley.com or visit her store at Cratiques. You can also visit her website.
Please tell her I sent you.
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Puzzle
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 I didn't get a correct answer for last month's puzzle, so I'm going to give you all a bit more time to come up with this one. What is the oldest building in San Antonio? What other "oldest" records does this building hold? The first person with the correct answer will win a $25 gift certificate at Nicavid's, just in time for Valentine's Day. (Check out the Valentine's Sweetheart Breakfast Nicavid's is offering on Saturday, February 14.)
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Crystallizations Training
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This month, I'm offering a workshop on business etiquette, Professional POLISH. Do you need to brush
up on your business manners? I promise this two-hour session will be entertaining,
down-to-earth, and sensible You'll learn what to do and what not to do in
common business settings - from networking to formal banquets. This session is $30 per person and group discounts are available. Join us on Thursday, February 19, at 10 AM.
All sessions are held at The Greater San Antonio Chamber's Small Business Resource Center, 1100 NW Loop 410 Ste 109, San Antonio, TX 78213
in the H.E.B. Federal Credit Union building, near the corner of Blanco Road and N.W. Loop 410. Call 210-863-2250 or email me at crystal@crystallizations.com to reserve your space.
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Embrace change in 2009!
Sincerely, CrystalCrystal Darby
Crystal Communications
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