Article Contributed by Dr. Joey Faucette
Days are getting shorter. It’s dark when I wake up and gets dark earlier at day’s end. The temperatures are cooler in the mornings. The seasons are changing…
…and apparently no one cares what I think about it because no one called or emailed to ask. I have no control, much less influence on the changing seasons.
Ridiculous for me to expect? Of course.
Almost as ludicrous as the conversations I have with business owners about their change experiences. They expect a call or email. They want someone to ask permission.
That’s an unrealistic expectation today. Change happens.
The one controllable is how you deal with it—whine or win? Pout or profit?
Here are 3 Keys to Profit from Change:
Believe the Change is Real
Our first reaction to change is usually, “Why? What’s wrong with the old way?” We crave the familiar. Our brains recognize it and know what to do. Often we weren’t consulted about the need for change or the rationale. “Here is it is. Deal with it” is the typical response.
Say to yourself, “It is what it is. I will make the best out of it.”
Then list the reasons it’s real, e.g., “My franchiser said so,” “That OS is no longer supported,” or “You can’t buy parts for it anymore.”
This listing helps you avoid denial, beat back fear, and move forward to believing the change is real.
Bridge from Familiar to Unfamiliar
Now detail the change by starting with what’s familiar. Most likely the change performs the same basic function as something you do currently, just with enhancements. What is that function? List everything included in the change that you recognize.
Next describe and list the unfamiliar aspects of the change.
Now connect the familiar to the unfamiliar. What lines up as similar? Your fear and anxiety diminish with this exercise because your cognitive—brain—overcomes your emotive—gut—in recognizing the familiar. You bridge from the familiar to the unfamiliar.
Build to Support the Change
Finally, ask yourself, “What are the opportunities to grow profits?” Perhaps the technology involved allows you to generate business while you sleep by providing improved customer access. Or, maybe productivity grows which maximizes profitability.
Look at the systemic changes necessary and ask, “What must we do to adapt? Who needs training and development? How do we accelerate revenue growth? How can we best leverage new opportunities for profit increase and diversification?”
These questions focus you on the positive dynamics of the change. Think of them as the features over which you do have control and influence.
Then implement your answers so you increase sales with greater productivity and get out of the office earlier to do what you love with those you love. Change and Work Positive!
About the Author
Dr. Joey Faucette is the #1 Amazon best-selling author of Work Positive in a Negative World (Entrepreneur Press), Work Positive coach, & speaker who helps business professionals increase sales with greater productivity so they leave the office earlier to do what they love with those they love. Discover the free webinar about the coveted 7 Weeks to Work Positive Coaching Program at www.ListentoLife.org.