From the course: Embracing Unexpected Change

Change in context

From the course: Embracing Unexpected Change

Change in context

- People say that change is the only constant. I think most people listen to that statement and think that change is a difficult and negative thing they just have to deal with. Well, it doesn't have to be that way. First, change is normal. The stress you feel, the challenges you see, well, we all experience that from time to time, and it's normal. Since the dawn of modern times, it's always been about coping with new ways of doing things. Change is also inevitable. It's everywhere. In business, markets appear and sometimes disappear, and industry experiences nearly constant change. In fact, right now we're in the middle of what many experts refer to as exponential change. Across technologies, we're seeing faster growth than ever before. And it's fundamentally changing the way we do business and the way we live. Things like the size and power of computer chips, the use of the cloud, AI, and machine learning, are all enabling many new possibilities. And the nature of our jobs is constantly shifting. The complexity of careers is increasing and the pace never seems to slow down. Of course, all of this creates more personal change for you as you navigate your job, family, and all of your responsibilities. The odds are that right now you're facing multiple difficult changes. What I want you to understand is that when you're facing change, you're not alone, and you can develop an expertise for dealing with it. If you're willing to invest a little effort, you can turn this challenge into one of your greatest assets. That's right, embracing change is a skill. It will take honesty, self-reflection, and some time, but it's a skill you can learn. And as you gain comfort by more thoughtfully managing change in your life, your expertise will eventually become strong enough that you can help others, as a boss, a coach, and a mentor. That's huge. In fact, for influential professionals and people in formal leadership roles, helping others understand and successfully navigate change is an essential skill. As you start to think about this, just remember: how you feel about the change in your life is up to you. Dealing with change can be your biggest recurring burden, or it can become an asset that helps you maximize your potential and the potential of those around you. Start right now by letting go of the negative feelings associated with whatever recent change you're facing. Make the choice to see that issue in a broader context. Then choose to see it as something you can use, not simply endure. That's seeing change in a productive context.

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