by Ted Saul
It’s been said “the only thing guaranteed not to change is that there will be change”. The key to dealing with change is preparing and planning as you understand potential threats. This is true in the business world and in one’s career.
For instance, in business companies should have contingency plans for a sudden downturn in sales. But what if the opposite takes place where sales and floor traffic suddenly increases. The threat is that customers who cannot find the products they want may walk away and not return to your store in the future. Or if you are understaffed and can’t provide services in a timely manner, potential clients will find someone else.
Your planning should include answers to questions such as how fast can your suppliers and vendors provide you with additional product? How long should you wait to see if the cycle continues? Another example is a change in government regulation and how it might threaten your business. How will you absorb additional costs? Who will be responsible for policy changes? Then there is the change when a key employee leaves. Creating a business continuity plan will ease that threat and allow seamless transition of the work to another. It is good practice to think through any potential uncontrollable changes that may affect your business. Change however can happen to an individual as well.
One never knows when a job will be lost or the need to find a new position is necessary. To mitigate the threat, preparation and planning are just as important. Watch for events that might pose a risk to employment such as shifts in management, mergers or a slide in business health. Make sure your resume is up-to-date along references and cover letters. Also keep your social media sites current including LinkedIn, Facebook and your other favorites.
Make as many connections as possible that may help you during a job search. Spend some time on job sites to understand what talent employers are looking for and what your knowledge gaps might be. Then come up with a plan to develop your skills. Handling change will come much easier once you realize what you can influence and what you cannot. This way you can spend your time where it’ll be most effective.
Ted Saul is a business coach that assists with Business Plans and Project Management. He holds a master certificate in project management and has earned his MBA from Regis University. Ted can be reached on LinkedIn, TedS787 on Twitter or emailing Ted@tsaul.com.
