When I was up at the dojo training yesterday evening, the sensei were running a grading for a few of the group. One of the guys was totally unaware that it was on as he’d been missing for a while. When he arrived, he was presented with the statement that he would be grading at the end of the class.
He could have reacted badly. Total panic could easily have ensued and he could have gone to pieces. Thankfully, he had far more presence of mind and did exactly what he should have done. He asked one of the senior members to run through the possible grading routines with him and focused on the things that he needed help with.
It got me to thinking how we, as business owners and managers, react in a work or business environment when stuff hits us from the side that we were not expecting. Take the recent volcanic episode and the differences between how different airlines have reacted. Some have excelled and some have failed to really get off the plate in dealing with the challenge that they and their customers face.
As business owners our ability to react to a sudden change can make or break our organisation. If we fail to react and pretend things are just the same as they were before we were thrown the curve ball, we might struggle along for a while, but eventually we will have to alter the way we do things.
On the other hand, if we accept the fact that the change is there and we embrace the challenge(s) that it throws at us, we are far more likely to respond more appropriately for both our business and our customers.
Often our own personality can get in the way of acting correctly. I will readily admit that I think feet rather than head first sometimes. I really have to make sure that I take a deep breath, literally count to ten, and then examine the challenge that has presented itself. This simple technique works for me. I calm down and focus on what needs to happen, making the necessary changes to any plans and ensuring the correct priority is applied to each item.
Surprise and change, it can come on us suddenly. How do you handle it to ensure your business continues as optimally as possible?
Photo : h.koppdelaney
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This post was mentioned on Twitter by barneyausten: Change, it’s almost as certain as death and taxes. How do you react when surprised by a sudden change? Todays post. http://cot.ag/9Z6rJU...
Love this post Barney!
Change and “Surprises” (love that word!) are a normal part of life and are vital to keep on moving forward; if you don’t change anything today, tomorrow will be exactly the same.
And if I may, I’d like to share a couple of tips on change.
Change is fascinating as people react to it in various and different ways, – including, naturally, resisting. Once you know and accept that fact, you can ensure that you do things about it.
I strongly believe that communication is the key ingredient to making powerful, positive and long-lasting changes. So, do communicate! Share your vision, explain the reasons behind the change and most importantly, highlight the “what’s in it for me ” bit!
By doing this, you ensure that you guide not only yourself but also your audience through change, so that you all embrace, manage and maintain it!
Change can be good, but it can also be a massive headache.
Over the past 7 years we've faced a lot of challenges on a lot of different levels. Now I find that I still get freaked out by some situations and I still have moments when I want to curl into a ball in the corner, but you also learn that the challenges and changes are part of what makes getting out of bed in the morning worthwhile.
You either learn to deal with them or you probably give up and fail.
Hi Frederique. Thanks for reading and for sharing your insights. The point on communication is very well made. Glad you enjoyed the post too
Hi Michele
Agree totally – there is most definitely good and bad change. I can relate to the “curl into a ball” image – I think most, if not all of us, have done that at some point. Glad to see you kept going though. As you say, challenge and change is part of our daily life (work and otherwise) and dealing with it is the best approach.
Thanks for the comments.
I'm glad I'm not the only one who feels like “curling up into a ball in the corner” sometimes! But you're absolutely right that in the end its the challenges that make it rewarding.
If it's not challenging (and therefore a bit stressful) its usually boring!
As for the issue of change in general, I agree with what you said. Personal flexibility is key. Never assume that things are “locked in” and that there aren't changed just around the corner.
Hi Marek. Thanks for reading and the comment. Personal flexibility – exactly right
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