Managing Change Can be Empowering

By Jill Adams

It is a New Year and a New Decade. Why not go beyond just making a list of resolutions to look at once in awhile to actively engage in “change management” and make this coming year and this decade be empowering for you?

Each year the Women’s Network Board schedules one of two yearly retreats. These retreats provide Board members an opportunity to delve into ideas for support and empowerment of the Women’s Network, its membership, offerings and processes. Board members gather together, enjoy dinner, a bit of camaraderie and get down to business. With a light heart and sincere desire they delve into ways to maintain and achieve greater fulfillment of the Network mission statement: “Southeastern Connecticut Women’s Network – For Powerful, Personal & Professional Relationships.” Through the retreat process the Board is engaging proactive “change management.”

“Change management” is a systematic approach to dealing with change from both the perspective of an organization and on the individual level. For an organization, change management means defining and implementing procedures and/or technologies to deal with changes in the business environment and to profit from changing opportunities. “Change management” has at least three different aspects including adapting to change, controlling change and effecting change. A proactive approach to dealing with change is at the core of all three aspects.

Years ago I realized that my fear and resistance to change was simply not working for me. I decided to become proactive. Although it doesn’t necessarily feel safe, easy or comfortable, I’ve come to expect benefit, good outcome and even fun and adventure. Proactive change for me is a lifestyle choice. I discover and explore new territories within myself and transform my experience in the world. Through the process I have gained greater confidence in myself. What follows is some of what I’ve found helpful.

1. Start with a result you want. What would you create if you could make it up? Focus on change for yourself… not others.
2. “How did I get There …from Here?” Once you have a mental picture/or vision you can ask a “pathfinder” question. The “pathfinder” question helps to target and align specific steps needed to bring your mental concept into form by looking backwards from your chosen result to your “now.”
3. Believe in yourself…and a Universe of potentials and solutions to be discovered. Be open-minded. Adopt an attitude of expectation, observation and cooperation with feedback from the “Universe”.
4. Feedback is simply information for review…not necessarily a dictum from the Universe. Initial feedback may reflect fears or limiting beliefs that need to be processed. Review, challenge and edit incoming information for importance and validity.
5. Change expectations about what is possible. If feeling fearful, stuck or boxed in asks, “Do I have a limiting belief regarding what’s possible?” Think of new possibilities and hypothesize new outcomes. This shifts expectation and attitude opening a space for something new or different.
6. Open territory for new results. Craft a good question. A quality question usually brings a quality answer.
7. Don’t be afraid to admit you need or want help. Surrender, and open up a space for help. If it “all” seems too hard, it probably is.
8. Change the energy. Take time out. Breathe. Release outmoded patterns and energy blocks through meditation, prayer, yoga, exercise and other holistic-style therapies such as massage, acupuncture, and reflexology.
9. Give and receive reciprocally. Gather group support and get feedback. Come to Network luncheons. Join a Network Mastermind Group.
10. Use change to your advantage. Find out what works for you. Establish your own methodology. The more effectively we deal with change, the more likely we are to thrive and prosper.

Wishing All a Year full of Productive Change increasing Joy, Well-Being and Prosperity for All!

Jill Adams
Member and Past President, SECT Women’s NETWORK
As profiled on March 4, 2010, GRACE website www.graceforwomen.com