How to Positively React to Work Place Change IM HIRED

How to Positively React to Work Place Change Changing for the Better Reacting positively to work place change can be a challenge. The lack of stability, the uncertainty and the fear of the unknown can make you feel reluctant to get on-board with a companys new way of working. However, not all work place change has to be negative. Change doesnt necessarily threaten your career path and could actually give you the opportunity to showcase the value you add to an organisation. Below are 4 tips on how you can adjust your thinking to maintain a positive mindset when dealing with workplace change. Get On Board It’s the obvious solution, but definitely easier said than put into action. I am not suggesting you lose yourself, blindly following all business changes but you should be adopting a look on the “bright side” approach. Avoiding automatically jumping to the negatives. Change is inevitable. Change is Constant Benjamin Disraeli Reflect on the significance of the change and how it will affect you either personally or professionally. For example, a change in management potentially could have a huge impact on a team but getting on board will aid a positive beginning to you and your new boss relationship. If the new manager in this situation is someone you just can’t work for then being fake in your acceptance wont work. So weigh up the options. You could simply moan to your colleagues which will produce no output or you could do something. Get on board or decide that working with that manager is out of the question. The latter most likely requiring you to move departments or leave to find a manager you better fit with. Seek to Understand the Change The biggest reason for fearing work place change is the unknown. Understanding the process can help reduce some of your fears and give you the clarity you need. Don’t be afraid to sit down with you manager or ask for sometime with a senior team member to better gauge why the company is making changes. Understanding the why behind the change may even adjust your positioning and make you realise the benefits of the change. For example, any restructuring can be a scary time but its not always for negative reasons. Whilst cost saving, redundancies or an excuse to get rid of people might be your first thought, it doesn’t always have to be the case. Potentially it could offer you an opportunity to progress in your career, take on a bigger variety of work or even move to a new location or team. Expanding your horizons.   Questioning is the key. Question before assuming why something is happening. Become inquisitive, knowing the why makes it much easier for you to become part of the how. Be Flexible You’d be pretty hard pushed to get through your entire career with little to no work place change. Being flexible and adaptable will make change less stressful. Have your non-negotiables â€" those things you won’t budge on. That could be the amount you earn or the lengths of your commute and then be open to the possibilities elsewhere. If the change at work doesn’t affect those non-negotiables, go with it and see where it can take you. But on the flip side if the change risks those non-negotiables you will already know it’s no longer the right place for you. Don’t get stuck in your comfort zone, allow yourself to adapt and adjust. Look at the Bigger Picture Change can come hand in hand with immediate uncertainty, difficulties or the feeling of being unstable and maybe even uncomfortable. But consider the phrase “a means to an end, a statement that could make coping with change a simpler transition. Are these feelings of uncertainty towards a work place change temporary? If the answer is yes then you need to deliberate the impact on the long term. Will the long term benefits make this short term sacrifice worth while? Your career will have peaks and troughs like life and only you will be able to decide if the work is worth the reward. Moving departments might offer you further growth in your career, or putting up with a manager who’s not quite your cup of tea could get you to your end goal. Look where the change is taking you and decide whether that is the right direction.