Strategies for Managing Change in Tough Times

Turn on the television these days and all the talk is about a possible economic depression. Which is, well, depressing. Managing change is a necessary life skill in challenging times. And after today's announcement that the unemployment rate is at an all time 16-year high, managing change is more important than ever.

What are some sure-fire strategies for managing change in tough times? Especially managing change in the workplace?

1. Take action. Fear can paralyze us. In these times of uncertainty, it's easy to think, "What's the use," and freeze. But it's imperative to do what we don't feel like doing. Which means taking more action such as classes, reading new books, attending workshops. Overall, honing our skills. The old adage used to be, "To earn more, you must learn more." Today it's, "To stay employed and keep your job, you must learn more than ever before." Expand your knowledge base. Get training in new areas. Consider taking up a hobby that could be parlayed into a paying part-time job. Education is something no one can take away from you.

2. Be service-oriented, ask for feedback, and listen. The workplace has become so competitive that to keep your job, or stay in business, you need to deliver the best product or service in your field. Go the extra mile. How do you do that? Ask your customers for feedback. On a scale of one to ten, how would they rate your product and/or service? And what specifically do they think needs to be improved? Don't be afraid to take the risk and ask for feedback. Listen to the answer. Act on it.

Right now, some well-known American companies are hemoraging financially. It's partly due to bad management, complacency, and not keeping up with the demands of the marketplace. These organizations are looking to place the blame on outside circumstances. Instead, they should be looking on the inside. So ask for feedback and listen. Develop a plan.

3. In managing change, you have to stop complaining. Yes, you have to give up complaining about how awful everything is and stop making excuses. This is difficult sometimes because there's a certain amount of sensationalism and adrenaline in complaining! But more often than not, we complain because it's easier than taking the risk of going through the work of getting whatever it is we want. Change and risk involve time, effort, sometimes money, and maybe even ridicule. After all, in managing change there's usually a learning curve. We might make a mistake.

In managing change, if you don't like your outcome, change your response. If you're in a situation you don't like, either work to make it what you want or get out. Don't complain about it and make other people miserable. It's been said that attitudes are more contagious than colds and flu. Ultimately, your attitude will determine your altitude.