Any kind of change is a formidable challenge for most people.
In our daily world, especially in this hectic instant access global culture where technology changes by the minute and you have to be adapting constantly, change is inevitable.
But those who adopt new ideas, adapt to change, and influence those around them are the leaders who will be the most successful in the next three years.
It’s great when we get into a routine and become familiar with our surroundings. But what happens more often than not is we tend to become less flexible. It’s natural. You get in the habit of doing things a certain way and then become less tolerant to external demands, modifying our routine, or willing to see things from another’s perspective.
I can remember going from faxing in weekly numbers, as a sales manager to the main office, to putting them on a floppy disk and emailing them. Out of 66 managers, I was the last one to adapt. I justified it with the fact that I loved numbers and the sound of the 10 key adding up as I keyed in numbers. The truth was I didn’t want to learn how to use the computer in a new way.
BOY! Once I did it the first time! It took 75% less time….that thing actually added all the columns! It was amazing! Kind of ironic that 7 years later, I was working for a dot com company and stayed there for almost 8 years! I thought of the floppy disk situation, many times.
In 2009, many dealerships throughout the nation went out of business- not because of the economy, or ‘cash-for-clunkers’, but because they didn’t want to adopt this new way of advertising- Internet Advertising. They had been doing business the same way for 50+ years and in a matter of 1-2 years, they were gone.
What is something you have dug your heels in with? Is there a more simple way to accomplish it? How can you use your top 5 Strengths to help you adopt, adapt, and influence more?
Where do you want to be in your career in 20/20?
Celebrating Your Unique Genius!
Shari Strong
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