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Hey Toto, We're Not In Kansas Anymore
When Dorothy uttered those words in the Wizard of Oz, she knew
she was in a strange place but wasn't sure where it was. Do you
ever feel that way? Changes, especially those of the sudden
surprising variety can leave you feeling much like Dorothy;
confused, scared, and wondering what to do.
There are few companies left in this country that haven't
downsized, reorganized, merged or purged in the past five years.
So how do you handle it?
Expect change and prepare for it.
If you knew that rain had been pouring down for days, the
river was rising and your home was threatened, would you just
sit, wait, and worry? You would probably be moving furniture to
the second floor, sand bagging around your home, getting the help
of friends, or doing something else productive.
It's the same with your career and business. What can you do
to insure survival?
Don't get frozen in fear.
If you do, freezer burn will set in. embrace the change.
Don't dig in your heels and aufulize. You can
feel sorry for yourself, blame your company or an individual,
and go for sympathy. No movement there! The better choice is
to look for the possibilities and opportunities the change
creates for you and your organization. They are there if
you're looking for them.
Change is the only way we grow as individuals or
companies. Complacency is like quicksand. It may be smooth,
but it sucks you in and may ultimately kill your career. Les
Brown tells a story about a hound dog that just kept shining.
When someone asked the owner what was wrong he said,
well, he's sitting on a tack. The observer rather
incredulous said, Why doesn't he move? The owner
replied, I guess it doesn't' hurt enough.
People and companies are the same. Often we know we need
to move and make changes but we wait until the pain is
overwhelming (bottom line impact) or we lose our jobs. Be
grateful for a sharp tack.
Network Network Network
Do it all the time everywhere you go. Stay active in your
professional organizations and keep in touch with members
from around the country to share ideas, information, and to
provide support.
Networking can keep you in touch with the latest industry
trends including impending changes within other
organizations. Current information puts you in a better
position to control your future.
Should you need a new job, remember this, 75% of jobs are
found through networking. Who you know and what they know
about you counts.
Stay positive
Your attitude will keep you afloat when the waters are in
chaos. Keep looking for new possibilities, new ways of doing
things, and new directions. People like to work with, hire,
and buy from positive people. Your attitude truly can
determine your altitude.
Take action now, don't wait.
You may need to take another course, update your resume,
network more or find new and better ways to manage your business.
Make a plan today and implement it. Don't get stuck in eternal
preparation.
All stress is caused by perceived lack of control. To the
extent you take control of your life and future you reduce your
stress. Change is challenging but the choices are yours. What you
choose to do about it makes the difference. Just look what
happened to Dorothy. She gained a whole new perspective on life.
It is your life. Live it to the fullest.
©Linda
Nash
Linda
Nash is a nationally recognized consultant, speaker and author in the
areas of change and resilience. To receive her free E-zine Bouncing Back go to
www.Lindanash.com To contact Linda
call
314.872.8787 or e-mail
Linda@Lindanash.com
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