Who Moved my Cheese? Dealing with change effectively X420 Discussion Session # 89

“The times they are a changin’….”  Dealing with change is  a constant in human life  a constant in corporate existence  unavoidable Learning how to sail with, Learning how to sail with, or tack against, the winds of change is an essential success skill

“You don’t need a weatherman to know which way the wind blows….”  In order to deal with change one  needs to anticipate  prepare  and act, not react

One of the most immediately and personally effecting changes is that which impacts on our ability to earn a living. There are things you can do to get ready for such shifts in fortune or circumstance. Other than hide away and hope it does not happen, that is….

“The answer, my friend is, blowin’ in the wind….”  Anticipate Change Networking Context Join the planners

Building a network of friends, acquaintances and contacts gives you two major advantages in dealing with change: an early warning system and a support group  Networking

 Understanding the context By keeping up with trends in the economy, business, your field and your organization you develop a feel for the context in which events occur Knowing what fits where helps you anticipate the scope and direction of change that might effect your livelihood and well-being.

 Helping plan for change As an active member of planning groups or steering committees within your organization and community you expand your networking scope and benefit from the ideas and thoughts of others thinking about and planning for change

 Merely anticipating change is insufficient… you need to be proactive.

 Prepare for Change Keep your resume – or resumes – updated. Pursue continuing education. Save and invest your money. “It'll soon shake your windows, And rattle your walls For the times they are a-changin’.”

 Act, don’t react Only react to change and you will sink in the storm. “…you better start swimmin‘, Or you'll sink like a stone For the times they are a-changin‘.” Acting with forethought and preparation ensures that you will have the most opportunities for successfully dealing with change.

SINK OR SWIM, IT’S UP TO YOU

Managing change is a task both organizations and individuals face…. Let’s examine some of the methods and techniques professionals use to manage change in organizations.

Change Management Change management is a task an area of professional practice a body of knowledge … and a useful “life skill”.

The Process of Change The process can be viewed as Unfreezing Changing Freezing

The Process of Change as Problem Solving A more fruitful view since it promotes Planning Pro-activity Practice

Planning To change For change In case of change

Pro-activity To change For change In case of change

Practice To change For change In case of change

Successfully coping with change requires Anticipating change Preparing and Planning for change Pro-actively dealing with change Practicing change

 EVALUATION QUESTIONS  Use: a. Strongly agree b. Agree c. Disagree d. Strongly disagree e. Don’t know 1. I found the presentation of material easy to understand. 2. This discussion session increased my knowledge on the subject presented. 3. I will be able to use some of the information from the discussion session in the future. 4. The presenter was well prepared for this discussion session. 5. This presentation should be repeated in future semesters.