Who Moved my Cheese?
Dealing with change effectively
X420 Discussion Session # 89
“The times they are a changin’….”
Dealing with change is a constant in human life a constant in corporate existence unavoidable
Learning how to sail with, Learning how to sail with, or tack against, the winds of change or tack against, the winds of change
is an essential success skillis an essential success skill
“You don’t need a weatherman to know which way the wind blows….”
In order to deal with change one needs to anticipate prepare and act, not react
One of the most immediately and personally effecting changes is that which impacts on our ability to earn a living.
There are things you can do to get ready for such shifts in fortune or circumstance.
Other than hide away and hope it does not happen, that is….
“The answer, my friend is, blowin’ in the wind….”
Anticipate Change
Networking
Context
Join the planners
Building a network of friends, acquaintances and contacts gives you two major advantages in dealing with change:
• an early warning system and• a support group
Networking
Understanding the context
By keeping up with trends in • the economy, • business, • your field and • your organization
you develop a feel for the context in which events occur
Knowing what fits where helps you anticipate the scope and direction of change that might effect your livelihood and well-being.
Helping plan for change
As an active member of planning groups or steering committees within your organization and community you
• expand your networking scope and• benefit from the ideas and thoughts of others thinking about and planning for change
Merely anticipating change is insufficient… you need to be proactive.
Prepare for Change
Keep your resume – or resumes – updated.
Pursue continuing education.
Save and invest your money.
“It'll soon shake your windows, And rattle your wallsFor the times they are a-changin’.”
Act, don’t react
Only react to change and you will sink in the storm.
“…you better start swimmin‘, Or you'll sink like a stoneFor the times they are a-changin‘.”
Acting with Acting with forethought and forethought and
preparation preparation ensures that you will have ensures that you will have the most opportunities for the most opportunities for successfully dealing with successfully dealing with
change.change.
SINK OR SWIM, IT’S UP TO YOU
Managing change is a task both organizations and individuals face….
Let’s examine some of the methods and techniques professionals use to manage change in organizations.
Change Management
Change management is• a task• an area of professional practice• a body of knowledge
… and a useful “life skill”.
The Process of Change
The process can be viewed as• Unfreezing• Changing• Freezing
The Process of Change as Problem Solving
A more fruitful view since it promotes
Planning
Pro-activity
Practice
Planning
To change
For change
In case of change
Pro-activity
To change
For change
In case of change
Practice
To change
For change
In case of change
Successfully coping with change requires • Anticipating change• Preparing and Planning for change• Pro-actively dealing with change• Practicing change
EVALUATION QUESTIONSEVALUATION QUESTIONS
Use:a. Strongly agreeb. Agreec. Disagreed. Strongly disagreee. Don’t know
1. I found the presentation of material easy to understand.
2. This discussion session increased my knowledge on the subject presented.
3. I will be able to use some of the information from the discussion session in the future.
4. The presenter was well prepared for this discussion session.
5. This presentation should be repeated in future semesters.