Changes are inevitable part of our life and even our professional life cannot remain untouched. Dealing with changes at workplace has never been easy and the fear of the unknown makes it even more difficult. Here are some tips which can help you out in dealing with changes at work.
Understand that change is inevitable
As the saying goes, change is the law of nature, everything around us will surely and definitely change, itâs just a matter of time. You have to accept this, and once you have understood that change does happen, then you will be able to handle the situation in a better way. Why should our careers and jobs be any different when even our personal lives change with time? It will become even more difficult for you if you continue to live in the past. If you have accepted and understood that change will happen, then you will be less surprised and upset when you actually encounter that change.
Communicate with others
When it comes to dealing with a change, communication becomes very important. Effective communication with others can have a positive impact, while lack of communication can have a negative one. You need to determine how the change is going to affect you for which you must be aware of the details about the change. Just sitting back and waiting for things to happen is not going to help you out. Discuss about it with your boss and colleagues so that you can get their understanding. However, when you are dealing with colleagues and co-workers, you need to be careful as the news can be distorted and mixed with some rumors. One important factor which makes accepting a change even more difficult, is the fear of dealing with the unknown. You can manage your fear by talking with those in your office who have already gone through such a change. Talk to them about the difficulties which they experienced and the way they dealt with those problems. You can adapt their experiences according to your own situation. Make sure that your communication involves even those who are not of your department and company. Their advice is also valuable as they might have experienced the same change. Being in touch with people belonging to other companies also has some other advantages, for instance, if you decide to change your job, then they can serve as valuable contacts.
Be flexible
Flexibility is very important, especially when you are dealing with a change at your workplace. Your chances of getting successful will certainly increase if you are able to adapt change. Take a look at the requirements of the new situation after completing your self-assessment. May be you can make use of your skills in a better way in your new job. Try to look for the skills which you have developed in your previous role that can be applied to the new situation. In other words, focus on similarities rather than focusing on differences. For instance, planning, strategy and preparation are vital for achieving success irrespective of the task which has been given to you. If you are good at this, then you will be successful even in your new role. It just depends upon how you apply these skills in your present situation.
Be positive and continue to do your work
Going through reorganizations is certainly no fun, but having a positive attitude can help you in getting over the uncertainties of change. For instance, you should focus on honing your existing skills and experience instead of worrying about the changes you will have to make. Being involved with your work and looking for opportunities in the new role can hasten your adjustment. Also, there is a lot of uncertainty involved with the change, for instance, you may not be sure whether your work is going to mean anything in the immediate future. However, whatever happens, you need to continue to do your work. Remember that you are being paid to work, also you can impress your future boss with such attitude.
Maintain your network
Maintain your network of contacts even when you have been transferred from one department to another or when you are switching jobs. Your contacts can serve a valuable function. They can tell you of job opportunities and share their valuable experiences with you which can help you a lot in dealing with the change. Be in touch with your school and college friends, former colleagues, subordinates and boss and learn from their experience.
