Embracing Change: 10 tips to help navigate change in the workplace.

"The hardest part of change is going through the unknown." ~ Robert Kiyosaki        

Several years ago, when I was an insurance agent, the captive insurance company I worked for went through some changes. They started to introduce new products and gave different ways that we could sell for other companies.

Many sales reps did not like this change, because they were used to being captive and liked the simplicity of quoting only one company. They felt like the new way was difficult and disliked learning all the unique guidelines for each company. They also complained about the commission splits.

I looked at it differently. I always thought it would be nice to have more options to offer customers, especially for those situations where the customer really wanted to do business with me, but the numbers just didn’t make sense. I was glad to have more options for my clients.

I was one of the early adopters of the program and I decided to focus on the positive side of it. It took some time to learn and there were some big challenges to overcome, but eventually it paid off. More and more business was starting to flow through this new channel.

It got to the point where if you were not selling through the new program, you were way behind. Other sales reps got so far behind that they really could not recover. They just missed the good old days that really were never coming back.

There is one thing that we can always count on and that is always consistent:

Change.

Change is painful, but rewarding. It’s how we learn and grow.

Welcome to another installment of Motivation and Success, where my goal is to add value to business professionals and sales people. Everyone can benefit from a little more motivation right? This week I want to talk about change.

"Change means movement. Movement means friction." ~ Saul Alinsky        

Here are 10 tips to help in dealing with change.

• Stay Informed: Seek out information about the change to understand its scope, reasons, and impact on your role. Attend meetings, read communications, and ask questions to stay updated.
• Maintain a Positive Attitude: Approach the change with a positive mindset. Focus on the potential benefits and opportunities that the change may bring. Avoid the negative crowd that can lead you in the wrong direction.
• Be Open to Learning: Embrace the chance to learn new skills or gain new knowledge. Participate in training sessions and take advantage of any resources offered to help you adapt.
• Communicate Openly: Share your concerns and feedback with your manager or colleagues. Open communication can help address any uncertainties or issues you may have.
• Stay Flexible: Be willing to adapt to new processes, roles, or responsibilities. Flexibility can make the transition smoother and demonstrate your resilience.
• Seek Support: Reach out to colleagues, mentors, or employee support programs if you need assistance. Building a support network can help you navigate the change more effectively.
• Focus on Your Well-being: Take care of your physical and mental health. Engage in activities that reduce stress, such as exercise, meditation, or hobbies.
• Set Personal Goals: Identify specific, achievable goals for yourself during the transition. This can provide a sense of direction and accomplishment.
• Look for Opportunities: Identify and seize opportunities that arise from the change. This could include taking on new responsibilities, developing new skills, or advancing your career.
• Stay Proactive: Take initiative to adapt to the change rather than waiting passively for it to unfold. Being proactive can give you a greater sense of control and confidence.

"Things which do not grow and change are dead things." ~ Louise Erdrich        

I love the above quote because it rings so true. If we are not changing with this world we will be left behind. Be ready for change in your life and grow with it. Those who get stuck in the old ways will be stuck in life. Be proactive and be on the front lines of change.

I wish you much motivation and success this week!