Nov
21
How To Survive Change
I run with some big dogs. Established writers, media mavericks, pop-culture mavens, political pundits, industry leaders and successful innovators are among those I call my “buddies.”
With a few exceptions, my friends are experiencing seismic shifts in their professional lives. Many of my close associates are going through re-alignments in their professional careers. Each call, email, instant message is a replay of the previous contact. Tales of downsizing, layoffs, funding woes and sudden change are now common among my circle of once mighty acquaintances.
I have no doubt that these individuals will rise again to lofty positions of influence and success. There is a common thread among these people. Extreme talent honed through hard work. They approach life with unfettered zeal and passion. They create solutions through smart thinking. No economic down-turn is without opportunities. I am confident that my friends will find or create those opportunities. What we choose to do during crisis defines our character. Depression doesn’t work. A new plan of attack is needed when searching for that next step in the professional experience.
Surviving change takes action, common sense and uncommon strength. Here are a few tips to make this transitional time less painful:
Put the Oxygen Mask on Yourself First.
There is a reason we are instructed to apply the oxygen mask on ourselves before helping our fellow passengers. Staying healthy should be first on your “to-do” list. Exercise more- walk, run, swim. You’re going to need those endorphins.
Don’t Show Up To a Bail-Out In Your Private Jet.
A successful Veterinarian friend of mine has always driven a modest car. He’s aware that his clients would look askew at him driving around in a Ferrari. Perception matters more than ever. The days of flaunting wealth are over. The new heroes will be the thrifty individuals. Signal that you are an agent of change by trading in that flashy ride for something friendly to the environment. Save cash, use coupons, make your own coffee.
Never Get In a Land War In Asia.
Donald Trump is a big believer in getting even with your enemies. If you want to spend your time looking backwards then, by all means, take the Donald’s advice. Good companies sometimes make bad decisions. Use your energy wisely by letting go of the past, the supervisor who didn’t appreciate your talents, the Board of Directors who made you a scape-goat. You are now CEO of Today. Prepare your battle station by clearing the clutter off your desk. Start your day with a written plan of attack. Give yourself useful tasks that can be checked off when completed. Stay professionally minded by scheduling your day. This is no time to play solitaire.
A Shrinking Violet Gets Trampled.
Stay visible by networking, writing and leveraging social networks to their fullest potentials. Six Apart, the blogging community, is offering journalists free TypePad resources and revenue sharing. There is no excuse for staying in the shadows. Be the light that attracts interaction.
Study Wise Grasshopper.
Plug into inventive writers. Seth Godin and Mitch Joel are two good sources of inspiration. Read Louis Gray’s blog. Louis writes about understanding technology. He is a tester, a connector and a well deserved trusted voice. You should study his approach and style even if you’re not interested in technology. He’s proof that staying positive equals long-term success. Buy a copy of Reality Check: The Irreverent Guide to Outsmarting, Outmanaging, and Outmarketing Your Competition by Guy Kawasaki. Guy is a true master of building community. Get this book now, read it deeply and take action. Your brain needs to be in training mode. Input wisely.
msw
With a few exceptions, my friends are experiencing seismic shifts in their professional lives. Many of my close associates are going through re-alignments in their professional careers. Each call, email, instant message is a replay of the previous contact. Tales of downsizing, layoffs, funding woes and sudden change are now common among my circle of once mighty acquaintances.
I have no doubt that these individuals will rise again to lofty positions of influence and success. There is a common thread among these people. Extreme talent honed through hard work. They approach life with unfettered zeal and passion. They create solutions through smart thinking. No economic down-turn is without opportunities. I am confident that my friends will find or create those opportunities. What we choose to do during crisis defines our character. Depression doesn’t work. A new plan of attack is needed when searching for that next step in the professional experience.
Surviving change takes action, common sense and uncommon strength. Here are a few tips to make this transitional time less painful:
Put the Oxygen Mask on Yourself First.
There is a reason we are instructed to apply the oxygen mask on ourselves before helping our fellow passengers. Staying healthy should be first on your “to-do” list. Exercise more- walk, run, swim. You’re going to need those endorphins.
Don’t Show Up To a Bail-Out In Your Private Jet.
A successful Veterinarian friend of mine has always driven a modest car. He’s aware that his clients would look askew at him driving around in a Ferrari. Perception matters more than ever. The days of flaunting wealth are over. The new heroes will be the thrifty individuals. Signal that you are an agent of change by trading in that flashy ride for something friendly to the environment. Save cash, use coupons, make your own coffee.
Never Get In a Land War In Asia.
Donald Trump is a big believer in getting even with your enemies. If you want to spend your time looking backwards then, by all means, take the Donald’s advice. Good companies sometimes make bad decisions. Use your energy wisely by letting go of the past, the supervisor who didn’t appreciate your talents, the Board of Directors who made you a scape-goat. You are now CEO of Today. Prepare your battle station by clearing the clutter off your desk. Start your day with a written plan of attack. Give yourself useful tasks that can be checked off when completed. Stay professionally minded by scheduling your day. This is no time to play solitaire.
A Shrinking Violet Gets Trampled.
Stay visible by networking, writing and leveraging social networks to their fullest potentials. Six Apart, the blogging community, is offering journalists free TypePad resources and revenue sharing. There is no excuse for staying in the shadows. Be the light that attracts interaction.
Study Wise Grasshopper.
Plug into inventive writers. Seth Godin and Mitch Joel are two good sources of inspiration. Read Louis Gray’s blog. Louis writes about understanding technology. He is a tester, a connector and a well deserved trusted voice. You should study his approach and style even if you’re not interested in technology. He’s proof that staying positive equals long-term success. Buy a copy of Reality Check: The Irreverent Guide to Outsmarting, Outmanaging, and Outmarketing Your Competition by Guy Kawasaki. Guy is a true master of building community. Get this book now, read it deeply and take action. Your brain needs to be in training mode. Input wisely.
msw
Mark Dykeman wrote: