Change is good! (07/08)
By Gayle Lynn-Nelson
I faced quite a few changes recently. They caused me to pause and think how I can transform all that is happening into both a personal and professional benefit.
The first change was a new puppy. My husband and I are now the owners of a beautiful, sweet, and very smart black standard poodle. We previously owned one of these dogs, but lost him four years ago. We did not plan on getting another dog due to our work and travel schedules. Our new dog is here, and how our life has changed. Getting up during the middle of the night was something we had not experienced in quite a while, and was an adjustment. I also had to find a dog walker and sitter, which we never needed before, because of the time we spend at work and on the road. After a few weeks we had figured things out for our puppy, and everything was running smoothly.
But another challenge awaited me at work. LexisNexis began a major reorganization. Change is not always greeted with joy and enthusiasm. Instead, most of us are a bit skeptical and wary. I am one of those people that welcome change. Finding positives can be difficult, but I believe it is the better approach. During change, one of the most important skills is the ability to listen and communicate effectively. This is true in both the business world and the personal world. I realize that I need some time to adapt to the changes at work. But I also see opportunity for me to work with new people and new projects. So after taking a few deep breaths, and letting the dust settle, I am beginning to embrace this change.
The last change is a very personal one. My beloved Yankees are getting a new home after 100 years of being “in the house that Ruth built.” Yankee Stadium is moving across the street. Friends have asked me how I feel, and for the most part I understand the need for this change. The new stadium will have superior amenities, at the cost of the loss of general seating. I fear losing my seats for all of the Sunday home games. On balance, my team deserves a new home, and I am looking forward to this change.
Unfortunately no pill exists for coping with change, but a positive attitude helps. The support, love, and understanding of family, friends, and co-workers also softens the blow.
In writing this column I am reminded of the book, “Who Moved My Cheese” by Spencer Johnson. The heart of “Who Moved My Cheese” is a lengthy fable. The four characters operate in the same maze and all seek cheese. Then someone, some unseen hand, moves the cheese. The mice sniff and scurry, and find where the cheese has gone. The book offers insightful views on coping with change: Change Happens, Anticipate Change, Monitor Change, Adapt to Change Quickly, Change, Enjoy Change and Be Ready to Change Quickly, and enjoy it Again & Again.
Resistance to change creates stress and problems. Change happens. While we cannot control much of the world changing around us, we can control how we respond. With all the change in my life I am finally understanding it is how I respond that matters most, not the change itself. I love having my new puppy, understand the reasons for reorganization in the workplace, and accept the need for a new Yankee Stadium.
