Connect. The Network Media Partners blog.

Survival skill #285: Be comfortable in the un-comfort zone

February 23, 2010

How we handle change is key to surviving today’s business climate

The ability to embrace change. It is so important to our success and happiness, yet it is not a natural feeling for most of us. We can train ourselves to be more open, even excited, about change. Having a purposeful way of talking and acting that embraces change–and helps others to embrace change–is essential in today’s business world.

A white paper written by Management Concepts delves into this topic. According to Senior Consultant Ken Buch, “We adapt to challenges as our need to thrive and survive arises.” Be proactive: Practice your adaptability skills so when a change occurs, you are ready.

One small step is to start thinking about the possibilities of the future. It is perhaps more natural to think about what is, what we’ve already done, or what didn’t work in the past, but in order to create an “acceptance of transition” we must start thinking and talking about future possibilities. Thinking and talking about future goals and plans often creates powerful action in the present.

They say curiosity killed the cat, but lack of curiosity may kill the desire to embrace change. Do you listen when people talk? Do you want to know what they think and feel? Are you listening objectively, or simply pasting your own ideas onto what you think they are going to say next? Start by giving the speaker your full attention. Easier said than done, but you can learn this vital listening skill with practice. In return, people will respond to your requests with their best energy and accept new ideas more easily because they trust you.

Change brings stress. It is important to notice when consistent high levels of stress have pushed people too far. Emotions may be ruling their words and actions, having thrown rational thought out the window. Maintaining a sense of security and safety is vital to make it though a time of transition successfully.

Bottom line: We must learn to be comfortable in our un-comfort zone, and help others do the same.

–Megan Lebo, Assistant Traffic Manager, Network Media Partners

Read Management Concepts’ “Adaptability: A Crucial Organizational and Personal Skill,” by Ken Buch.

Filed under: workplace

Tags: association workplace, workplace culture