5 Ways to Embrace Change and Excel at Work

Most people will agree that the American workplace has changed more in the last five years than it has in the previous 25. Seismic shifts in technology, social media and management have drastically changed how we work. Corporate downsizing has led to many employees doing more with less. It’s no surprise that these changes have led to an overwhelming level of disengagement in the workplace. According to Gallup, over 23 million U.S. workers feel disconnected or dissatisfied with their careers.

Dealing with alterations to your normal work procedures can be frustrating, unwanted, and even scary. Learning to accept change at work is critical for your success. The key is to understand the change and to position yourself to receive the benefits so that you can excel despite the challenges. Implement these strategies to guide you towards embracing workplace changes with optimism for greater success at work.

(1) UNDERSTAND YOUR CONCERNS ABOUT THE CHANGE. Ask yourself what scares you or makes you angry about a recent change at work. Once you know you’re concerns you will be able to deal with them to better succeed in the work environment. Maybe you think your job or paycheck is threatened. Perhaps you think the company might close because of the change. Explore all the possibilities. If you find that your concerns are legitimate, create a Plan B that you can implement in your worst-case scenarios. Once you make an action plan, resolve to let go of your uneasiness about situations you can't control and optimistically expect the best results that could happen from the change.

(2) TRUST THE CHANGE. Be assured that the people running the company are making the choice to change for a reason that will benefit the company. Recognize that people in power have a picture of the entire situation. When I exited my career at a Fortune 100 company, the organization was at the beginning stages of implementing a new commercial strategy. I was part of the “Change” team so I had insight that others did not have. I understood the importance of the changes as they were necessary to maintain a healthy position in the industry. However, co-workers with less information were not as optimistic in embracing the changes. The changes didn't limit me. They empowered me! Be committed to the goals of the organization to lessen your anxieties about the change to perform at your optimal level. If it’s best the company ultimately it’s best for you.

(3) LIMIT “CHANGE” CONVERSATIONS. Avoid lengthy discussions with co-workers about changes, especially if your peers are focusing on negativity related to the changes. Some co-workers might be antagonistic due to their own fears and insecurities. Negative talk spreads like a cancer. Stay immunized by declining to share thoughts that might be interpreted as negative when engaging with others. Instead make an effort to be understanding and communicate thoughts about the positive results the change should bring.

(4) ACCEPT THE CHANGE. Recognize that an important aspect of your work is to support the management and carry out your leaders' directives. Simplify the situation for yourself by pledging to respect the changes and perform your duties as required. You are there for a purpose. That purpose is to do your job well, improve your skills and earn a paycheck. Stay focused on your goals and strive for excellence, regardless of the situation.

(5) WELCOME THE CHANGE. Make a decision to face the change head-on and do whatever it takes to glean positive results from the new plans. Challenge yourself and have confidence that you can handle it. Your work situation might actually improve because of the new changes. This could be a time of rejuvenation, renewal and newfound efficiency. Be patient throughout the implementation process. And allow yourself to expect your work situation to benefit your greater good.

Although changes at work might be scary and unwanted, open your mind to the possibilities of change. Change provides an opportunity for skill building and new career experiences. Put some of these strategies into practice if changes occur where you work so you won’t be a part of the millions who aren't engaged. Make it a purposeful decision – not a fleeting thought! You CAN embrace change at work and experience greater fulfillment with positivity, confidence, and patience!

If these topics interest you, please connect with me on social media or leave a comment. Thanks for visiting!

3 Self-Assertiveness Strategies to Gain More Power and Influence

During my tenure as a corporate employee in the manufacturing division of a Fortune 100 company, I was often the only female in team meetings. I knew that speaking up and communicating ideas effectively were important for my success. I could never become a member of the “good ole boys club” but I could influence their respect for me and their perception of my contributions to organizational goals.

As you seek success in business, personal relationships, or any venture, it helps to take stock of your level of self-assertiveness. Assertiveness is the ability to honestly express yourself without undue self-doubt or anxiety. Assertive people are confident, self-assured and often recognized as leaders. It’s not only apparent in their communication but also in their behaviors.

While some are born assertive, for others self-assertiveness is a cultivated skill. I was fortunate enough to attend an all girls high school which focused on ways to be effective in these kinds of settings.

If you need solutions to deal with an office bully, overzealous friend, aggressive business partner or to improve your negotiation skills, implement these three strategies to gain control and enhance your interactions with others.

(1) Identify your boundaries and set limits. Don’t be a push-over. Figure out where to draw the line when dealing with others. How much abuse are you willing to take? Be honest with yourself and avoid letting self-doubt stop you from defining new boundaries.

• Start by writing down your plan to manage through various situations.Research proves that externalizing your thought process improves your chances of making a lasting impact on your future behavior. Pay attention to your internal reactions. Recall past situations in which you let someone go too far. How did you feel? At what point could you have put your foot down? Write it. See it. Say it. And put it into action.

(2) Eliminate toxic relationships. Empower yourself by letting go of individuals and partnerships that drain your energy and stifle your growth. If discussions and collaborations are unhealthy, it’s time to move on. While the split may be painful initially, you will flourish once you’re free of those influences.

• Simply begin by declining meetings, limiting conversations, engaging in other activities of interest and cultivating new relationships. You don’t have to make a grand announcement or hold a forum. Let your actions speak for you. You’ll build self-esteem and confidence which will attract individuals who will treat you with the respect you deserve.

(3) Think on purpose. As you become more assertive, you’ll need a strategy to deal with individuals who overstep your boundaries. Maintain a calm demeanor for effectual communications even if they become defensive. The individual may feel as if they’re under attack, especially if you haven’t taken them to task before. In this situation, they will likely try to derail you by changing the subject. Use the ASSA method to keep discussions on topic and to the point:

• Alert the person that you would like to speak with them.
• State your grievance clearly and calmly.
• Sell the benefits of them altering their behavior.
• Agree that they’ll do things differently in the future.

You’ll likely find that becoming assertive will change your life. You’ll gain the confidence needed to develop beneficial relationships with colleagues, partners and your management team. And you’ll attract opportunities that facilitate personal and professional success.

For more information to build CONFIDENCE, click here to download "How to Regain Confidence Even If Your Struggles Have Destroyed You".

Top 6 Excuses That Limit Your Success and Solutions to Overcome Them

It's a new year and most likely you've created a list of resolutions. You are determined that this time will be different. You won't quit. You won't get distracted. You're going to stick with your plan for a new start. However, sadly enough the odds aren't in your favor. The fact is only a tiny fraction of people keep their resolutions. University of Scranton research suggests that just 8% of people achieve their New Year’s goals. What's the common denominator? EXCUSES. For most individuals, it's much easier to think of ways something can't be done versus how it can be done. Many of us have a series of excuses that we can pull out of a hat at a moment’s notice. We make excuses mostly to protect ourselves and to justify our current circumstances. But these limiting beliefs cripple our chances for success. Consider these excuses and commit to the solutions.

(1) “I DON’T KNOW HOW.” This common excuse gives you permission to not even try.

• SOLUTION: Get support. At no time in the history of mankind has there been so much information and resources available. Want to start a charity? There are hundreds of books on the subject. Need to lose 100 lbs? There are thousands of CDs, videos and blogs to support you. Want to change careers? Consult a coach or mentor. Or simply try and then adjust your approach based on your results.

(2) “I’M AFRAID.” Who hasn't been afraid to try something new, to step out of the box, to move beyond their comfort zone? Most of our fears are socially based and have no real consequences.

• SOLUTION: Ask yourself what’s the worst thing that can happen. Once you have determined the worst case scenarios you’ll realize that the fear is a disguise to kill your dreams and stifle your growth. Then list the best things that can happen. You’ll recognize that your success is more important than the fears that are holding you back.

"Stop being afraid of what could go wrong and FOCUS on what could go right!"

(3) “I DON’T HAVE ENOUGH TIME.” If your heart is in it then you will make the time for what’s truly important to you.

• SOLUTION: Create a list of the things you do on a daily basis from the moment you awake until the end of the day. Record your activities in 15 minute blocks. Include everything from talking on the phone, surfing the internet to watching television. After doing this for one week most people are able to find at least 3 hours to dedicate to a new activity or adventure.

(4) “I DON’T HAVE ENOUGH MONEY.” There is usually a way to work around a lack of financial resources.

• SOLUTION: Find alternatives. For example, if you’re looking to increase your skills but can’t afford college tuition there are other ways to enhance your credentials. For instance, volunteer at a non-profit organization; get certification in a particular skill or intern for a small company on your days off. If you are business owner, consider bartering (trading your services or products). There is always a way. You just may have to work a little harder to find solutions to support your growth.

(5) “IT’S TOO LATE FOR ME.” It’s never too late to become what you might have been. A person climbed Mount Everest in his 80’s. People have gone back to medical school in their 60’s. Getting a late start might be less convenient and more challenging, but there’s nothing wrong with that.

• SOLUTION: Figure out what interests you, influences you and motivates you. Build a plan for the challenges that are really important to you and take one step at a time to complete your goals.

(6) “IT’S TOO HARD.” Some endeavors are certainly more difficult than others. But claiming that something is “too hard” is really just another way of admitting that you’re afraid. People with limited resources and talent can still be extremely successful.

• SOLUTION: Set your mind on success! Those with motivation and stamina are really the ones who succeed. Get an accountability partner. Read encouraging stories. Practice affirmations. Do what’s necessary to keep your thoughts and energy centered on a successful outcome.

"The way you eat an elephant is one bite at a time."

Your success is dependent on effort. No action, no results. Break your tasks into small assignments and keep going until you've achieved your goal. It’s time to make some changes. Transformation isn't always easy but it is necessary for your success. Remind yourself of the reasons why started in the first place. And have the courage to put aside your excuses and go after what you truly want. You’ll be glad you did!

Listen to my podcast interview with Jerod and Friends!

For support to reach your goals for success connect with me at coachadrean@gmail.com or schedule here for a free consultation to discuss how I can support you in achieving your maximum potential.

FOCUS: 4 TIPS to ACHIEVE GREATER SUCCESS

One of the biggest concerns of coaching clients is staying on task to reach specific goals. In today’s modern world of technology, the  constant beeping, buzzing, texting, emailing and tweeting make it difficult to concentrate.

But all things are possible! Try these strategies to stay focused the next time you’re challenged in reaching your goals:

1.     Narrow your list. Focus on 1-3 major goals that you hope to achieve within a designated time frame. This ensures that you aren't spreading yourself too thin, and as a result, losing your motivation.

2.     Break down your goals into a series of smaller steps. You’ll feel less overwhelmed and this makes reaching your ultimate goal that much easier.

3.     Get an accountability partner to share your experiences with as you work towards your goal. Ideally, this person will be someone who can encourage you when obstacles arise and celebrate your successes with you along the way.

4.     Create a goal board. This is an inspiring visual reminder of why you created your goals in the first place. Fill it with pictures and other images that help you maintain your enthusiasm and focus.

It takes hard work and consistent effort to achieve major goals. Remember you get what you focus on so focus on what you want!

For support to reach your goals for success connect with me at coachadrean@gmail.com or schedule here for a free consultation.

IS YOUR EGO IN THE WAY OF CAREER SUCCESS?

We are constantly making decisions to determine the best pathways and solutions that will lead to our success. And it’s not always easy to tell if our choices are coming from the right place. Follow your ego and you might be successful in many ways, but you’re likely to find yourself wondering why you’re not as happy as you think you should be. However, if you follow your intuition, your life is likely to be more enjoyable and meaningful.

Learning to determine whether you’re being guided by intuition or ego can make a huge difference in your career. While there are no hard and fast rules to make the distinction, there are tendencies that can serve as a guide. Consider these differences:

1.     Ego-based decisions are grounded in fear and self-preservation. If you decide to go to medical school primarily for reasons of financial security, that’s ego. If you decide to not ask for the promotion, that’s ego. Intuitive thoughts feel calm, relaxed, and peaceful.

2.     Ego-based decisions typically have emotion connected to them resulting in nervous or anxious feelings. A choice made from a place of intuition just feels “right” and often comes out of left field. You might be surfing the internet and be hit with the idea of becoming an artist. The resulting battle in your head is your ego fighting back.

3.     Ego-based decisions involve rationalization. Your ego is wonderful at convincing you that its choice is the right one. “I’ll never get that job. Imagine how disappointed I’ll feel when it doesn’t work out. People like me are destined to only be supervisors, but there’s nothing wrong with that. I can still have a decent life.” It’s really just a rationalization based on fear – fear of success or fear of failure.

4.     Ego-based decisions consider external results. Are you writing a book in order to have a bestseller? Are you taking an action to gain certain results from others? A thought or decision arising from intuition is based on internal results. You’ll write a book because you’re fascinated with the idea not whether or not it will be a best seller. You’ll take an action because it will provide you with self-satisfaction not to gain outside attention.

5.     The ego tries to justify itself with facts, figures, and logic. Intuition doesn’t require these tricks to compel you. It doesn’t involve judgment statements about right or wrong, good or bad. If you’re using logic to convince yourself of a course of action, you can bet that’s your ego talking.

While the ego can be very limiting, that doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s wrong. Remember that the ego’s motivation is largely based on self-preservation. Your ego believes that it has your best interests at heart. The trick is to realize when your ego is holding you back from something bigger and better. Think before choosing which voice to follow and use these tips to help you make a decision that will bring you true happiness and career success.