Be proactive, positive and purposeful during change
Dale Chanaiwa
WOMEN AT WORK
Dale Chanaiwa
"There are three kinds of people: those who make things happen; those who watch things happen; and those who wonder, 'What happened?'" says motivational speaker Jonas Gadson.
What kind of person are you?
The year 2008 was quite a roller coaster ride, full of sudden and unexpected changes in the economy. The new year promises more of the same. As the roller coaster ride continues, 2009 will include more sudden, unexpected changes that will impact us all.
How can you successfully handle the roller coaster ride of change? There are three key steps to implement:
Be proactive: Acknowledge that you will face challenges unlike any you have encountered before. Pay attention to the signs and warnings of impending change, both favorable and unfavorable. Burying your head in the sand will not stop change.
Assess where you stand today. Take inventory of your skills, talents and expertise. Is your knowledge base current? Are you a specialist or generalist? Will you need additional training? Is what you have to offer transferable — internally and externally to your organization, or to a different industry?
Know your strengths and abilities. Make sure the decision-makers know them also.
This will be crucial if your organization is considering cutbacks. Make sure they have a current resume on file.
During appraisal time, be sure your supervisor and human resources department are aware of your interest in career development and the progress you've made toward your goals.
If cutbacks are in your future, you don't want the decision-makers wondering whether you are a valuable asset they should hold onto or whether you are expendable.
Anticipate that the rules will change. Make sure you know and understand them. They will have a far-reaching impact on your ability to function personally, professionally and financially.
Change will bring challenges. You will have to develop and implement a plan of action to address them head-on. Your plan should include strategies to make sure you remain marketable.
Invest in yourself. Ensure you get the training and experience you need, even if you have to pay for it out of your own pocket.
Be positive: Be a team player. Remain flexible and fill the gaps. We all are asked to do more with less, and for less. Your ability to adapt to change and remain positive is a plus. Therefore, you want to avoid getting caught up in gossip and complaining.
Look for opportunities for quality improvement and offer solutions. No matter what position you hold in the company, be enthusiastic about what you do.
You may not be able to control what challenge life throws at you each day; however, you can control the attitude you throw back.
Be purposeful: "Those who make things happen" are those who know their purpose and pursue it passionately. Persistently and consistently apply the best principles and practices that that will make positive things happen.
That purpose may lie outside your current job or career. That's great. When you know your purpose and pursue it with passion, your enthusiasm spills over into all areas of your life.
If you want to successfully handle workforce changes, you must be the kind of person who makes things happen. You must be proactive, positive and purposeful.
Dale Chanaiwa is an entrepreneur and motivational speaker, addressing women's issues. She may be reached at (585) 732-7518 or chanaiwad@frontiernet.net.
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This column is written by members of the Rochester Women's Network, whose focus is to help women connect, grow and succeed. For more information, go to www.rwn.org.
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