Forced Change

I usually write about topics that focus on adapting to business change, however, during this month of March I cannot help but think about an annual sports ritual called, "March Madness." It's a moment of time in the sports world where college basketball reigns as teams vie for a national tournament bid and ultimate national championship.

Not every team gets into the national tournament and only one team finishes the season on a win (think about those odds for a second).

If you are fortunate enough to get in, when you got knocked out you know you got beat by a team who performed better that day. For those teams/athletes the change comes instantly. Your season is over!!!

This reality in college basketball can also be paralleled to any business that is forced to suddenly change.

Insolvency, bankruptcy, merger......these are just a few reasons a business might be forced to instantly change.

This type of business change, like that of the team knocked out during March Madness, is not desired nor sometimes expected. Tears, disappointment, anger, and sadness are emotions that often accompany this event.

So how can a business (or college basketball team, for that matter) handle a change that is forced, undesirable, and sudden.

For me, it is the same process for handling a change that is planned, but perhaps swifter.

Through my own transition as a professional basketball player, someone who works closely with Hall of Fame and World Champion former professional athletes, and now a corporate change management workshop presenter, I've discovered there are 5 keys or commonalities of success for navigating sudden change.

These 5 RULES of Change, as I call them, have catapulted me like a rocket into the next successful phases of my life in education, television, and corporate training, and helped countless others adapt to change.

Change is one of the few constants in both work and life. Whether we seek change or change finds us, we must face the change that slows scaling and productivity. The amount of time spent implementing change is surprisingly high and the quality of productivity in the workplace can improve drastically by applying these principles and processes for change.

5 RULES of Change

R=REFOCUS The first key to facing rapid change is to refocus, and the best way to refocus is to evaluate current goals and develop new goals. Strategic Planning. By doing so, new passion and purpose can be developed, which is especially important to athletes who thrive on passion. ACTION - Define your goals.

U=USE NETWORK Most of us have a vast network of people around us. It's important to tap into that network and find strategic relationships (internally and externally) that may help accomplish your new goal(s). I do not advocate for 'using and abusing' people for your own gain but recommend creating win-win relationships with those who can help. ACTION - List the people who may help you accomplish your new goals.

L=LET GO Bar none, the most difficult aspect for transitioning athletes. We've been ingrained with an attitude of never giving up, do not quit, and fall down seven, get up eight. Albeit very difficult, letting go is imperative in order for an athlete to move forward. Letting go of failures AND successes is essential for moving forward. ACTION - What is it you need to let go?

E=EXECUTE Creating success, especially while in transition is not a one-and-done deal. Knowing what to do isn't good enough if you don't have the discipline to do it, and continuing efforts toward new-found success is a must. ACTION - List your commitments and actions you will go to help create success.

S=SOMEONE Having someone, a mentor, so-to-speak, can help transition smoother and faster, especially if that someone is where you want to be. ACTION - Who in your network would make a great mentor for you and your goals?

So as most college basketball teams abruptly end their season during March Madness and businesses might face a similar sudden change, remember the 5 RULES of Change, so you can Change Like a Champion!

To find out more about me, my TV show, and keynote/workshop presentations go to: www.KurtDavid.com