Is change making your career at Three-Ring Circus?
Everyone has a different reaction to an unexpected change. Some hug him. Others divert it at all costs. And most of us are somewhere in the middle.
From my decades of experience in human resources, career coaching, and consulting, I can say that learning how to deal positively with changes in our careers, from layoffs to new processes, is invaluable. If you want to become a star in your career, you must learn to work with change effectively.
But to do this, you must first be able to identify your current change behaviors, how you naturally react to change, and the pros and cons that come with it. Only then can you take an honest look at how you process change and pinpoint things you need to do to better set yourself up for success the next time change comes your way.
Through research, I designed an online assessment that identifies five types of change behavior profiles and created a 20-question survey that determines which profile you reflect. Here’s a quick introduction to each: which one represents you best? How will you handle your behaviors differently to become a turnaround star?
the daredevil
Daredevils are high-energy people who need to express their ideas. In a work environment that nurtures and focuses their energy, they can be unstoppable forces for growth, expansion, and positive business evolution. However, they need focus so that they can act on change management ideas.
the lion tamer
When change comes, lion tamers want structure, and if they don’t get it, they will create it. They get frustrated when there is too much change and look for a clear plan of action. But lion tamers need to feel empowered, or they may feel discouraged from implementing change.
the juggler
Jugglers constantly weigh options and run “what if” scenarios in their heads. This helps them feel more prepared for the unknown that comes with change. As they wrestle with change, they spend a lot of time interpreting direction, searching for hidden meaning, and trying to pin down what it means to them (or their team) to waste time they may not have.
the tightrope walker
Tightrope walkers are skeptical by nature. They have had to balance some very fine lines over the years and want hard facts to back up any kind of change to what already works. They must firmly plant each step before considering the next because they strive for perfection.
the weight lifter
Weightlifters often do the practical heavy lifting within the organization. They either have a track record or have become niche experts in their role or industry. They want to have a voice and share any problems that may arise. When first told about a new change, lifters often struggle to implement it until they are convinced that their opinions matter.
The choice is yours: manage the change and become a star or resist it and miss out on the opportunities in your future.