Embrace change

Accept the unavoidable

Change is an unavoidable constant in our work lives. Sometimes it’s partly within our control, but most often it’s not. Our jobs or roles change — and not always for the better. Our organisations undergo changes frequently and we need to adjust.Fortunately, there are ways to adapt to change, and even to take advantage of it.

Find the fun

Find the humour in a challenging situation. Trying to find a funny moment during an otherwise unfunny situation can be a fantastic way to create the levity needed to see a vexing problem from a new perspective. It can help others feel better as well.

Talk about problems rather than feelings

One of the most common myths of coping with unwanted changes is the idea that we can “work through” our anger, fears, and frustrations by talking about them a lot. This isn’t always the case. In fact, research shows that actively and repeatedly broadcasting negative emotions hinders our natural adaptation processes. Call out your anxiety or your anger. Then look for practical advice about what to do next. By doing so, you’ll zero in on the problems you can solve, instead of lamenting the ones you can’t.

Don’t stress out

Our beliefs about stress matter. As Stanford psychologist Kelly McGonigal argues, your reaction to stress has a greater impact on your health and success than the stress itself. If you believe stress kills you, it will. When you start to feel stressed, ask yourself what your stress is trying to help you accomplish. Then focus on the potential.

Focus on your values

Reminding ourselves of what’s important to us — family, friends, scientific achievement, creative expression, and so on — can create a surprisingly powerful buffer against whatever troubles may be on the horizon. Reflecting on a personal value helps us rise above the immediate threat, and makes us realise that our personal identity can’t be compromised by one challenging situation. Reflect for a few minutes to write down your top 10 values. How can they aid you in coping with change?

Don’t expect stability

Adaptive leaders choose to view all changes, whether wanted or unwanted, as an expected part of the human experience. Instead of feeling personally attacked by ignorant leaders or an unfair universe, they remain engaged in their work. In contrast, struggling leaders are consumed by thoughts of “the good old days”. They spend their energy trying to figure out why their luck had suddenly turned sour.