Optimistc Adaptation
When a merger resulted in a complete restructuring of the leadership team at the retail establishment Scott worked at, he had a difficult time working with the new members of management and new procedures regarding the chain of command. Already in an assistant manager position, Scott knew that this change was completely outside his control and no matter how much he disagreed with the restructuring his department was undergoing, nothing would change the forward momentum the company was moving in. After having a conversation with human resources, voicing his concerns and frustrations, Scott approached his work with a new attitude and decided to view the situation as “glass half full,” and made the proactive decision to not let these changes affect him in a negative way.
Last week, we discussed how important a positive outlook is to ensure we effectively adapt to change. Our mindset when faced with difficult situations is vital in ensuring our personal and professional success. How do you get to that point? How do you adjust your efforts to view change as an opportunity to evolve, grow, and learn in a productive manner?
Let Go of the Past – Stop comparing what is to what was. You had an amazing manager, a great team, the perfect workload, and then things changed. Constantly comparing the present to how good things used to be is going to give you nothing but grief and resentment. Let it all go. Focus on the present and the potential opportunities that the change you’re faced with may bring.
Reevaluate Your Goals – During times of significant change, we may need to reevaluate our goals and objectives, and adjust them as necessary to fit the changing landscape. Setting new goals is a great way to wipe the slate clean and move forward with a new, optimistic outlook.
Focus on Control – One of the primary issues many of us have with change is control; more so, that change is outside our control which leads to stress. The only thing you can control in times of change is often your own actions and reactions to situations. Focus your energy on controlling your own actions and try to drown out everything else. Such attention will lead to higher levels of fulfillment and engagement in the workplace.
What happens when you’ve tried all of the above and you still find yourself stuck in a pessimistic rut? Read along next week as we discuss how to pull yourself out of the vicious, negative cycle and embrace the change you’re presented with.
Recent Comments