Changes at work are inevitable. They can range from a new department policy to a new manager, and they can impact your career in a major way or be seamlessly integrated into your workday.

Regardless of its magnitude, organizational change can be a polarizing event. It can create the kind of energy a new beginning brings, and it can paralyze those who want to keep things the same. Learning how to use change to your advantage is a wise career strategy that can lead to a wealth of opportunities along the way, and it begins with your attitude toward change.

One of the most vulnerable times in your career can happen when you are not prepared for the amount of change to occur as in the case of a merger where two previous work cultures begin the process of building a new one. Another time of vulnerability can easily happen with new management and the challenge it brings to your overall sense of comfort in that what you knew in the past might not necessarily carry over to the new workplace. Your ability to adapt and stay flexible can create new career opportunities for you that you might not have had otherwise.

Change can undoubtedly be a source of stress, but consider this: How would you feel about change if you looked at it as a way to make your company more productive instead of something that could threaten your job? Learning how to use change to your advantage can be as simple as leveraging your skills and looking for ways to become involved.

So how do you keep your career moving forward during a time of change? First and foremost, learn to accept change. Give up trying to change the unchangeable, such as getting a new boss. The only thing you can change is yourself and how you react to change.When you focus on accepting change, an interesting thing happens to stress energy — it’s replaced by a problem-solving model.

You can change your attitude. Look at how you can use the change to your advantage, for example a merger will bring with it new people you can connect with, and all these people have unique experiences and work histories to share. And, there will be new problems to be solved.

When change comes, stay focused on moving ahead and keep a positive attitude. That will help you stand out in a positive and productive way.

How have you dealt with change in your workplace?

Categories: General

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