Change - The Only Constant

Many of us already know the quote from Greek philosopher Heraclitus, “The only constant in life is change.” I think we know this is true, though the feeling around change sometimes is very subtle—we barely realize it’s happening—while other times, change can feel like being hit with a freight train. 

We all experience life changes, whether we welcome it or are ready for it.  The workplace has the same challenges.  Change is happening all around, sometimes subtle and barely noticeable, other times obvious, and can even be abrupt. 

So, what do you do about it? 

One choice is you can do nothing.  You can choose to sit and wait for change to happen to you.  I think of this as standing in knee-deep water, seeing the waves come in off the ocean and what seemingly looks like a quiet and subtle wave without whitecaps rolling in. But when it arrives, you don’t know if it will pass quietly or knock you down and tumble you about. (First-hand experience says these quiet-looking waves can pack a punch.)  Are you willing to take that chance? 

The other choice is to do something.  You can choose to face change head-on and let change happen with you.  You can think about the situation you are in.  You can ask those with you on the shoreline what they think about the water conditions.  You can still stand in the knee-deep water, but look around, anticipate, prepare, and be ready for either wave – the subtle wave or the knock you down.  It just takes time and effort.  (The second round of first-hand experience says this method works much better.)

My career industry has been energy and utilities. I equate it to a rebirth of energy in the last 30-40 years and even more accelerated with advances in the last 10-15 years in energy generation technology, information systems, and workforce.  My experience has been to do something  - even if you know exactly what.  Early on, as markets deregulated, I looked to industries already in the deregulated process.  When new technology is needed, look at industries already implementing newer technologies.  When a new thought process was needed, I looked at how entrepreneurs and innovators think about changing conditions.

In all these instances, the change required for the industry was people-led.  In all instances, the people did something, anticipated and effectuated the changes.  Are you ready to do this?  Is your team ready for change? Do you have a plan on how to lead your workforce through change?

Change is inevitable.  Change is constant.  We don’t always have to like change, but we do have a choice to do nothing or do something.   While the “The only constant in life is change” is true, it’s up to you to prepare for it.   

© 2024 T. Garza Consulting and Coaching, LLC