Inevitable Change - Positive or Negative?

Hello Again:


Well, this has been quite a busy week since I last posted. I found this quote especially appropriate these days: "Change is inevitable – except from a vending machine. ROBERT C. GALLAGHER"


In pondering this, I had several thoughts. Yes, change is inevitable, but it doesn't have to be a negative. Change is the sun coming in the bedroom window earlier in the morning; it is a noticeable rise in the temperature (at least here in Arizona); it is a sense of excitement about spending more time outside and enjoying the flowers that are opening their little buds; it is a change in attitude as we shake off the drabness of winter thoughts and pull on our lighter spring-weight thoughts along with our short sleeved shirts.


Change is what prompts small business, or any business, to think about new ways to go about their business. Change prompts us to do things differently-to think differently when customers stop coming in the door-to think differently about how we market our business.


Employees feel change as much or more than the business owner. They may feel their jobs are tenuous and may give up caring what your business looks like. Now is the time to change how we treat them. As leaders, we need to instill the attitude of "we can change things around" instead of "it's all going downhill."


Here are three suggestions for changing morale:


1. Rally your troops - get them involved in strategizing ways to keep the business moving ahead. Ask them for ideas on ways to cut costs. Keep them informed on what is going on in your business. With information, your employees will respond more positively and actually help you create the positive change you may need in this business climate.


2. Get to know your team - take time to learn about how they respond to stress. Understand that their stress at work may not be all they are attempting to handle - they may have financial or other stresses at home. Once you begin to learn about and understand them better, you can spot changes in their behavior and performance and address them before they get out of hand.


3. Remotivate your management team - no matter how small your business, you have at least one or two key people who are your leaders. These folks feel change from two levels - the other employees and the employer. Give some thought to those in your ranks who could use some kudos, a little team spirit, and a pat on the back for being the glue that helps hold the organization together especially during these times of change.


Whether you believe times to be tough or just fine, the perception of those you work with is the reality they face every day. How you handle change in the downtimes shows character, strength, and leadership. You show real leadership when you take on change in positive ways and bring your team along with you.


Now is the time for a positive change in your business.