Doing something for a long time does not mean it is unchangeable.
Introduction
I have been around now for more than 50 years, and I have observed so many changes. Some changes were good while some were not good but the one thing, I know is that changes are necessary. If you keep doing the same thing over and over, you will get the same results. However, if you want a different result, then you need to change the way you do things. Unfortunately, many of us resist changes because of the uncertainty that may take place because of the changes and furthermore, we are comfortable in what we are currently doing.
Changes are necessary.
Changes are necessary and take place all the time whether they are physical changes, seasonal changes, mindset changes or organizational changes. For example, When I first came into this world, I came as a baby and now I am adult. Most times, when you are a baby, you get everything you need but as you change during the different stages in life, it gets harder because you must work and study for what you want as you are no longer a baby.
Another change that must take place but is very hard is our mindset. Too many times, we are set in our ways, and we are not progressing because we are stuck in our old ways of thinking. We need to change our mindsets for us to grow. It will be difficult, but it is possible.
In organizations, changes are necessary especially when management reviews the financial statements of their organizations and realize that they are not growing, or they are not growing at the rate they expected or in some cases, they may be losing. As a result, they must make changes to get to their desired results. This may involve laying off employees, changing the products or even rebranding. However, the changes can be painful, especially if it involves the laying off of employees. This was one of hardest things for me to do at Cable & Wireless primarily because most of the employees were locals, and I was concerned whether they would find employment. However, the change was necessary to meet the goals of Cable & Wireless. The change was also an opportunity for Cable & Wireless to get rid of the employees that they felt were not contributing to the organization in a positive way, or who were the stumbling blocks in the company.
Unfortunately, many companies remain in the state they are in because they do not make the changes. They may change policies and procedures but if you have the same employees with the same mindset and culture, you will see very little changes. Therefore, the best thing to do for some organizations is to discontinue the existing company and start a new organization with new people and a new culture.
Changes should be communicated effectively.
Whenever a change is taking place, that change should be communicated effectively, directly to the people involved in the change and the communication should take place in advance of the changes. No one should be hearing about the changes from external sources. Communication should take place internally first. There must be transparency and honesty in the changes that take place.
Changes can be painful.
Changes can be painful especially if it involves the loss of a job. However, the pain can be eased if that individual is able to find employment soon thereafter losing that job. The pain can also be eased if that individual gets a very good separation package lasting for at least a year which will give them time to recuperate or find employment elsewhere.
Changes can be painful if individuals are caught off guard and that is why communication is very important.
Changes can be painful because some individuals are comfortable in their current state and so if a change takes place, it can be hard on them especially if they are equipped educationally.
Doing the same thing for a long time does not mean it is unchangeable.
Doing the same thing for a long time can be taken for granted because we may think it is the right thing to do and therefore will not want to change. However, we need to understand why we are doing what we are doing and what we are accomplishing from what we are doing. If you don’t understand what you are doing and it is not accomplishing the goals of the organization, then perhaps this is a signal, it is time to change.
How to cope with changes?
When changes are taking place, you need to look at the bigger picture. Perhaps this is an opportunity for you to do something else, including starting your own business.
Always be prepared for changes. Don’t be in a position thinking it is guaranteed employment for life. Those days are over.
Don’t cope with the changes alone. Talk to someone and get support.
Don’t be negative and don’t badmouth the organization. Be positive and expect something good to happen to you as a result of the changes.
Conclusion
I believe most people do not want to experience changes but sometimes the changes are necessary. You see sometimes from the outside; it appears everything is well and so successful that a change is not necessary. However, there is so much not taking place and the only way for something significant to take place is for a change to take place.