Adapting to Change
Tuesday, March 1, 2011 6:05People tend to overlook important information when they employ selective perception, habit, and specialization to prevent them from being exposed to ideas they might not want to hear. Although this is human nature, it is not a good strategy for handling change.
Instead, you should face your fears and broaden your sources of information to explore new ideas. By increasing your awareness of change through a willingness to take in new information, you will have a distinct advantage over people who tend to isolate themselves. Flexibility and a willingness to embrace change will make you a more valuable member of your organization – one who can proactively deal with different opportunities and circumstances.
Adapting to change requires the effective use of all your acquired skills as well as skills which you might not yet have mastered or even begun to acquire. In a fast changing work environment, skills become obsolete. If you want to maintain your value in the job marketplace, you must never stop learning. Take the initiative and broaden your reading and knowledge base; read trade journals, attend conferences and training workshops in your area of competence. Look into correspondence or distance education. If circumstances allow, pursue an advanced degree.
You need to take responsibility to educate yourself. Doing so will help you keep your skills current, and it will demonstrate an initiative for growth; and self-improvement that will make you a more visible and viable candidate for a promotion.
