In baseball, the change up is a pitch that is meant to confuse the batter. The off-speed pitch is thrown to look like a fastball, but when the ball arrives much slower to the plate it's often too late for the batter, who has already been deceived on timing.
In the business world, managing change can be just as tricky...
Last Friday, I was interviewed on Talk 910 KKSF AM by Spencer Hughes to chat about my book, Welcome to the Big Leagues: Nine Innings of Essential Tips for the Corporate Rookie. During our second segment, we fielded a call from Nick who was having a very difficult time dealing with the ongoing change within his company. I only had a few minutes to provide Nick with some sound advice that I will now share with you.
In corporate America and in life, the majority of people fear change. This is normal and for good reason, because whenever we pursue change we increase our exposure and chances of failure. I will be the first to admit that becoming an agent of change, and capitalizing on it will not happen overnight. However, with your continued growth and commitment, it is the only vehicle that can elevate you to unprecedented heights. Most of the time it is the hardest road traveled that leads us to the greatest reward.
In Nick's case, his organization changed and he was now reporting to a new boss; which was becoming a recurring act. Nick's boss had requested changes that, in the short-term, he found very difficult to prepare for and pull off.
This is a common occurrence. Whenever management turns over, the new person will likely want to challenge the status quo and put their own stamp on things. I know that I would! The new manager may expect all changes to happen quick, but in reality, the speed will be similar to that of the Change Up pitch ... begin quick and arrive much slower to the plate.
During such times, fear, anxiety and pressure seem to all peak to form the perfect storm. Please understand that management is aware of and not exempt from being caught in this. However, management's focus is to prevail against such hazards and to maintain a productive staff. This is only achieved by affording employees with transparency and communicating an easily digestible strategy (a simple plan) or roadmap of the change. Successfully managing the day-to-day will be up to you.
To help keep your eye on the ball here are a few tips that should be on the top of your To-Do and Not-To-Do Lists:
1. Do not join the Rumor Mill - During times of change, employees need to be more focused than ever. Spreading rumors and any other forms of distraction will create a negative force and result in additional obstacles. Some colleagues may already feel overwhelmed and do not need to digest any information that is not true. Everything will surface in time, until then, focus solely on what your boss tells you.
2. Be Positive - This is not the time for head-turning, smirks or statements like "that will never work". Your positive attitude will be contagious. Also know that your new boss will remember how well you handled change and how you helped to calm the office culture. Even when you do not agree with any or all of the changing parts, you must get your points across in the most positive ways.
How you communicate and handle yourself is extremely important. Call for a one-to-one meeting with your boss. Use this forum to explain how you are committed to the plan and share a few thoughts that may help to smooth the transition. Your boss will appreciate this.
3. Up your game - At the end of the day, all we are only worth the skills that we possess. The change that is currently taking place could very well be the change that rids you of a job. Therefore, it is vital for you to focus on learning as much as you can and building your skills. No boss in the world ever wants to lose a great asset. So if you become a key go to person, the chances are that you will not only survive, but may also thrive as a result of the change. How do you become a key go to person? Welcome to the Big Leagues was written to teach just that!
If you haven't had the opportunity to read my work, then realize that skills around communication, collaboration, project management and driving results only come in time through practice. However, you must also understand that practice does not make perfect ... practice makes permanent ... which could be permanently wrong ... only perfect practice makes perfect. This is why it is imperative for us to learn how to do things right.
There is no doubt that your commitment towards continuous improvement will lead to a high Business IQ. In time, your proficiency will allow you to generate blueprints to successfully manage any form of change, and provide you with the confidence needed to be the one who forever seeks it. Good luck.
If you are currently faced with business challenges or seek any other form of advice, please join us at The Corporate Rookie Forum and get engaged. Our aim is to attract like-minded individuals who are willing to share their experiences to help others. Hope to hear from you soon!
You already spent more than $100k on your education, what's another $20? http://t.co/botwnSZix6 via @amazon
— Carmine Del Sordi (@BigLeaguesBook) July 20, 2014
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Bettina Koblick, CHRO, Symantec
Jeanne Phares, VP, Group Controller, Macerich
Todd Kauffmann, Senior VP, UBS Financial Services
Peter Gebert, VP Finance, Mannkind Corp
Andrew Del Matto, CFO, Fortinet
David Laverty, COO, Nixon Inc
David Tu, President, DCL Inc
Jack Morgenstern, Global Head, Wipro Technologies
John Sorci Jr., VP Global Operations, Symantec
Steve Menchen, Scientific Fellow, ThermoFisher Scientific
Luigi Sciabarrasi, Senior VP, DTZ
Spencer Hughes, Radio Host, The Spencer Hughes Show
Jay Kaufman, VP Marketing & Strategy, Annai Systems
Sally Jenkins, VP Marketing, VMware
