Change is inevitable and today change is occurring at an ever-increasing velocity. Global financial challenges, organizational realignment, human capital reductions, and efficiency targets are just a few of the current issues or trends which require our adaptability in order to remain successful. Hellmut Wilhelm is credited with the phrase, “the only constant is change”. Whether you are an individual contributor, or a leader charged with minimizing the pain associated with the delta between the current and future states, your goal is to remain empowered and engaged throughout these challenging times.
It is not easy. However, if we self-assess our productive and non-productive behaviors in response to change, we can focus on solutions. Psychologist Salvatore R. Maddi framed his research using a three-pronged model: Challenge, Control, and Commitment. Maddi discovered in his research that people with high stress levels who did not become fatigued or ill, shared the following characteristics:
• felt in control of their lives
• viewed unexpected events as challenges rather than threats
• felt committed to what they were doing
• maintained a sense of humor
Individuals possess a locus of control, defined as either internal or external. Psychologists believe this orientation/behavior is largely learned. Individuals with an internal locus of control orientation believe their actions have a direct correlation to outcomes. They feel in control of their lives and possess a high sense of personal responsibility. Individuals with an internal locus of control also tend to be more goals-oriented. Individuals with an external locus of control orientation believe events outside of their lives have a direct correlation to outcomes. Commonly, individuals with an external locus of control tend to lead easy-going, relaxed, happy lives. One orientation is not better than the other. For example, an individual with a strong internal orientation requires the necessary developed competencies to achieve success. The lack of these skills may result in frustration and not achieving personal and professional goals. The real value is identifying our tendencies and modifying our behavior when appropriate to support specific situations. Whether your locus of control is internal or external, Maddi found that adaptable individuals felt in control of their lives.
In every situation, initiative, or change there are elements in which we have direct control. We should create a comprehensive list of the personal, professional, and environmental elements for which we have control associated with a specific change. These elements can be used as strengths. By leveraging our strengths we can overcome any real or perceived weaknesses. The result is increased personal adaptability, reduced resistance to change, and increased short and long-term success.
Concurrently in every situation, initiative, or change there are elements in which we have no direct control. To address these elements and remain adaptable, we should clear the A.I.R.™. Clear the A.I.R.™ is a methodology which requires us to Accept, Influence, or Release the element of change outside of our control. By applying this strategy, you will successfully address these elements and move forward.
First, there are some elements of a change initiative which you will find favorable and will immediately accept. I encourage you to take an additional step and embrace those change elements. Assess how this element directly impacts you, your team, and your organization. Become an advocate of the change by communicating to others the associated benefits. Encourage others to accept the change and exhibit behaviors which reflect your acceptance. For example, your business unit has just announced it will be relocating 30 miles from its current location. This will result in a total distance from your residence of 40 miles. However, the new facility is located on a commuter rail route. As an advocate of “green” practices, you have been looking for ways to contribute. Use the commuter rail and join the organization in promoting the positive outcomes from individuals’ use of public transportation.
Secondly, even though you may not be the decision maker, you may be able to influence the outcome of the situation, initiative, or change. Using one, or all, of the following strategies can be productive in your efforts to influence the outcome of the element of change.
• Build a solid business case for the decision you would make.
• Document the return-on-investment for your scenario.
• Present your approach to the key stakeholders associated with the initiative.
• Show (through your behaviors) how your approach will work.
For example, your accounting department has announced they will begin an external search for an accounting manager to fill a recently vacated position. You believe you have the necessary competencies to be successful in the role. Present to the hiring manager a comprehensive documentation of your knowledge, skills, and abilities. Support your KSA’s with quantifiable accomplishments you have had in your accounting career. Taking this action will give you a sense of control over the situation, increase your adaptability, and improve your attitude. Remember, be realistic. You are attempting to influence the outcome; you are not the decision maker.
Lastly, there are elements of any change initiative which are entirely out of your control and influence. Many times we find ourselves wasting our limited resources, (e.g. time, energy, and reputation) challenging an element which should be released. Releasing an element of change does not imply consensus. You do not have to agree with the outcome of the initiative, issue, or change. However, by releasing the outcome, you can move forward and begin realizing success in the new environment or future state.
For example, your organization has decided to outsource the human resources function. You have worked hard to develop relationships with your current Benefits specialists. This has resulted in timely claims processing for your employees. The sooner you release the outsourcing decision, the sooner you can begin to develop new relationships with the outsourcing firm ensuring the same level of support for your employees.
Take action! Look closely at the key issue, initiative, or change that is impacting you today. Identify those elements which are within and outside of your control. Leverage those elements within your control and apply the A.I.R.™ strategy to those elements outside of your control. Develop a plan by creating specific incremental goals. We cannot control the velocity of change in our lives today. However, we can control our reaction, attitude, and behavior.
CareerMobility™ offers virtual adaptability and change management support through our “Adapting to Change” Virtual Toolkit. The toolkit includes online content, eLearning modules, and our eBook, “Adapting to Change”.
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John C Taylor – SPHR is the Principal Consultant at CareerMobility™. For the Past 10 years CareerMobility™ has provided project management, content development, and delivery in the domains of Career Management, Redeployment/Outplacement, and Adaptability/Change Management to many of the fortune 500 either directly, or as a strategic sub-contractor with the leading professional services firms in the country. You can reach John directly via email: John.Taylor@CareerMobilityLLC.com