CAREER DEVELOPMENT: “CHANGE! – Need I Say Anymore!”

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Why master the skill of managing change? Survival! Survival of the fittest has in many respects become as true today in our human society, as it has been in the wildest of the wild animal kingdoms. This scenario rings especially true as the work lives of thousands of people are having the fabric of their jobs re-engineered out of existence. This particular segment of our culture finds itself on the outside of corporate America, looking for ways to re-enter the job market through re-skilling and leveraging off of newly developed talents. Ever increasing numbers of these people are becoming part of the growing league of the temporary or contract workforce.

On the bright side, many in the new contract workforce are truly becoming managers of their own knowledge and skill assets — assets, which require constant upgrading as new job possibilities present themselves. They realize building personal assets is important because it provides them connectivity and marketability to others.

This evolutionary process, back to the independent job-to-job type of workforce, which was in place in the early 1900’s, has happened in a revolutionary time frame of less then 10 years. Some experts estimate the contract or temporary worker will comprise fully 40% of the total workforce by the year 2010. This is an example of change in action.

As we navigate the 21st century, the workplace landscape will be littered with ambiguity, revolutionary change and opportunity. Many businesses will perish because they find themselves unable to constantly adapt to the environment within which they exist. Others will do well because they are ready to take advantage of opportunities as they present themselves. The same will hold true for you the individual. Our dilemma is that we hate change and love it at the same time. What we want is for things to remain the same...But change and get better.

Learn How to Survive Change

Continually make changes in your personal life – in even the simple things like taking a different route to work, trying new foods, reading different books or magazines than you normally would, take up a new hobby or sport, go to somewhere different and do something different on your vacation.

Take smart risks – become a change agent. Don’t always conform, rock the boat, show some creativity, and work like you own the company. Move away from the role of an individual contributor (being told what, where and when to do something) to an individual who leads and transforms people, products, processes, and services.

Become performance driven – do what ever it takes to get the job done, initiate and complete actions on your own, make a difference, deviate from and perform beyond the norm.

Pick the path that others are afraid to take – your innovation, unconventional actions and behavior will help you through the ambiguity and chaos of change that others fear.

Create meaning and impact – that’s what constructive change is all about, that’s how you can get passionate about what you are attempting to accomplish and who or what you are trying to influence.

Take the responsibility to empower yourself – it will build your self confidence, competence, power and determination.

If you are to “survive successfully” in today’s environment “CHANGE! – Need I Say Anymore!”


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About Ingbretsen Consulting LLC:
Coach and author Roger Ingbretsen is a certified executive coach and organizational developer, providing organizational and career guidance to professionals, managers, supervisors and all individuals looking for "real world" career development and business information. His entrepreneurial approach will help you learn how to plan, lead and succeed in your career. Roger is the creator of the “Leadership Development Coaching Experience©” and author of the personal development reference eBooks, “Plan Your Career Now: The Survival Guide for the American Workplace” and “Master Your Career: Proven Strategies for Career Success©.” To know more and claim dozens of Rogers free articles go to www.ingbretsen.com or call 509 999 7008.

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