Change - Frustrating or Challenging

Change. It has become an annoying cliche and all too often, we hear the tiresome phrase about change being  the only 'constant'.

The reality is - not only is change constant, it is escalating. So say Futurologists who are now suggesting that the change impacting now is the 'tip-of-the-iceberg as to what's in store. For all of us trying to adapt, the challenge will be considerable. You think not? Consider the ease with which our young utilize the endless capabilities of a cell phone and how comfortable they are with I-pods and other 21st century devices then think of your own capabilities.

What many people fail to understand is their perception of change, be it positive or negative, is completely normal. That said, and more often than not, we tend to mobilize our efforts towards the negative and that can prevent us from benefitting from the positive aspects of change. To best respond to change requires that we be well prepared, and an understanding of the issues related to that change will allow us to work through it. Some of the ways we can achieve that is by:

•  Taking the time to learn why the change is necessary. People adapt more easily to changes they understand.
• Evaluating its consequences from a fresh point of view to gain a realistic understanding of all the factors involved.
• Giving the positive consequences the emphasis they merit. Rather than dwell on what may be lost (negative), focus on what will be gained.
• Share any apprehensions with your professional colleagues. In return, you may get a perception that shifts your thoughts in a positive way.

To get a sense of your resistance to change, complete the exercise below and see how you score.

Circle the number that best corresponds to your reaction never rarely sometimes often always

Challenges motivate me at work and at home             1    2   3   4   5
I easily overcome disappointments                            1    2   3   4   5
I usually evaluate situations on a global level              1    2   3   4   5
I like to have realistic goals                                       1    2   3   4   5
I have a high tolerance for ambiguous situations          1    2   3   4   5
I adapt quickly and easily to an unexpected event       1    2   3   4   5
I am usually very patient and I am flexible                   1    2   3   4   5
When I have a problem, I usually try to solve it myself  1    2   3   4   5
Once I decide to act, I feel responsible for the consequences    
                                                                               1    2   3   4   5
I have interest in activities not related to my job           1    2   3   4   5

Tally your score.  

If your result is 95 - 100, you have almost no resistance to change.
   85 - 94, you find it easy to adapt to change
   75 - 84, you are somewhat resistant but can overcome it most of the time
   74 or lower, you may have difficulty adapting to change