The nights are drawing in, the clocks have gone back; the heating has gone on. Venturing into town the shops are, unsubtly, reminding me that Christmas is just around the corner and with it comes the realisation that we will soon say goodbye to one year and hello to another.
As I ponder on the fact that 2016 is drawing to a close, I find myself feeling a full gamut of emotions. I’m reminded of the hopes and dreams I had at the end of last year; the plans that I was making and the changes that they would bring. Like anyone else who is planning change, I felt a nervous excitement about what it would bring.
I still remember writing down what I wanted to do in 2016 and, when I look back on my list, I have far exceeded my expectations. That makes me very proud indeed.
But, amongst that pride is a genuine sadness because, when reflecting on 2016, I inevitably think about an unexpected curveball that was chucked in my direction a few weeks into it; a curveball that de-railed many of my aspirations...
It was not my choice and it most certainly wasn’t how I wanted things to happen and yet…. And yet I also know that I would not have achieved much of what I have this year without the experience of this most unwelcome of curveballs. Hard as it has been to adapt to this change, I know that it has reminded me of a very valuable lesson too.
What is that lesson?
Change happens! Change happens because we want it to, change happens because it needs to and, let’s face it, change happens because, well, it just does.
Our ability to embrace change is what makes the difference between ending the day feeling sad or frustrated, or ending the day feeling proud about what we have achieved despite the circumstances.
One of those options feels a heck of a lot better than the other.
As managers, not only must we adapt to changes ourselves, but we also need to help our team adapt to change. We need to have the skills to embrace change and to identify ways to make it a positive difference for ourselves and our team.
If you want to adapt or adjust how you and your team deal with change, we have some great material in Managers' Library to help you. Here are a few of my favourites:
Training Activities for your Team
Take a look, they could inspire you to change your approach to change!