Sam was feeling uncertain and confused. He came to talk to me.

Past couple of years, few changes occurred in Sam’s career.

There are other people experiencing the same challenges like Sam.

His job responsibilities have changed. Some of job responsibilities have been outsourced. Real things that have happened to real people.

It’s not what happens to you in life that counts, but what you do once something happens. You can act or retreat. The choice is up to you. Maybe you saw your change coming or it happened suddenly. Either way, it’s time for you to change too.

WAYS TO CHANGE

Chose to believe

I advised Sam to accept this change. This is an important decision. In most cases, we resist change and will hold onto something that is no longer working or serving us anymore because we are afraid to try or do something different. Outsourcing has happened and Sam cannot do anything about it. I told Sam that going in the direction that life is taking you is much easier (than resist the change). Plus, even if you resist, change will win out in the end.

Go into Research Mode

Most people I speak to are overwhelmed by change and do not want to jump into something else quickly. This is a smart move. You never want to leap without seeing where you are going first. Keep in mind that research and change are two different things. Research is getting your facts and details straight and all in one place. Change happens when you implement what you have uncovered. You want to understand what your next move will be before you leap.

So, what’s next for Sam? A new career? A new job? A new position in the company? I advised Sam to understand what it takes to make your change; and take the steps to get there.

Make Your Change

It’s leap time for Sam. But it will be a calculated jump for him because he followed my advice and did his homework first. I asked him to write his goal, into smaller achievable pieces. Implementation of change is like doing a project at work. One thing at a time, with the most important pieces first. Implementing change gets overwhelming when you are trying to make the entire change at once. Don’t do that to yourself. Do one thing, then another, then another. Change is a journey. Yes, you may have a pressing timetable in front of you, but if you rush change, you will retreat, and you will be back where you started.

Embrace Your Change

This is when you get to reap the benefits of your hard work. Facing change is not easy. At times, it is scary. But when you do it, you feel great. Whether your change is your choice, (or, you have no choice), you still have to face it. When you do, you will be victorious, and your life will be better because you embraced the change that was confronting you.

You have to accept more responsibilities if you are promoted; or, if you are given additional portfolio. Do not think it is a burden – may be your superiors are grooming you to go up the ladder. They may like to test your capabilities.

Handing over is an important aspect of any job. If you are promoted, you should prepare proper handover of existing job to the newcomer. You make friends by doing so and may be helpful in future.

Interaction with people – without which you cannot climb the ladder. You will come across many types of personalities not only from other employees, but also from your customers and vendors. Learn to deal with everyone. If you do not like someone, do not reject her/him outright. Show courtesy and say Hello; you may not go closer. Who knows at any time in future you may need them.

Meet with deadlines – procrastination is no good. Do not try to find excuses. Just Do It! You will be appreciated as a reliable person for assigning important assignments.

Suresh Shah, Managing Director, Pathfinders Enterprise