If there is one topic I'm asked to speak on more than any other, it's leadership. As a 21-year cancer survivor (thriver!) and caregiver for my sister, my managing change program ranks a close second. More often than not, it isn't just the whirlwinds in the workplace that are stressing people out but the current uncertainties of the economy. Everyone is being asked to do more with less. Especially the Boomer "Sandwich" generation, famous for caring for their aging parents as well as having their kids move back home. Now more than ever, getting out of your comfort zone and trying new things is a necessary skill.
I used to be a worrier. The more I imagined a worst-case scenario in my mind, the more vividly the picture materialized. It almost got to where the "movie" playing over and over in my head became as real as biting on the proverbial lemon and puckering up. Clearly, I was catastrophizing. I wasn't managing change effectively. I was creating more stress.
Finally, I snapped myself out of it through awareness, self-talk, and envisioning what I call "CANtastrophizing." Here are five proven methods to help you manage change and stress at work and in your personal life as well.
1) Replace worry with "What's the BEST that could happen?" In adopting this method, you'll be focusing on all the positives that may take place. Research shows that 90% of what we worry about never happens. Train yourself to the point where you start believing it, seeing it--and most importantly--feeling it. Disciplining yourself into that positive emotional state--and staying there--is one of the keys to overcoming worry, self-doubt, and achieving your goals. It's the positive feeling that propels you to keep moving forward and take action.
2) Accurately access your abilities. Be honest with yourself in knowing what you're good at and what you need to work on. Write it down. Where do you thrive? What are the skills you need to improve?
3) Embrace adversity. In managing change, developing your strengths is admirable, but not if it means you're avoiding trying new things. Change is the one constant you can count on. Conquering challenges and effectively managing stress will build your character and your capabilities.
4) Practice proficiency. If you've been procrastinating on a task that terrifies you--or that you simply don't want to do--take action. Doing the very thing you don't want to do will develop your confidence and determination. Taking action conquers fear. Overcoming procrastination is one of the secrets to managing change. As Tony Robbins once said, "Repetition is the mother of skill." The more you practice something, the more you reinforce it, and the easier it gets. Change becomes the norm.
5) Model trustworthiness. One of the most critical qualities of a successful leader--whether you're a parent or in charge of part-timers, or both--is credibility. If you're managing people, your team has to believe in your ability to get things done. If they don't see you as trustworthy and credible, you'll struggle to keep them motivated. Be on time, hold yourself accountable, and maintain consistency. Make sure you address delicate issues by taking your hands off the keyboard and picking up the phone. Keep confidences confidential, and you'll be preaching the credibility you practice.
Maintain momentum for your efforts in managing change and managing stress. Even small wins are important and bring you closer to your goals. Celebrate your success and keep going!
*****
Colleen Kettenhofen is an international leadership expert and change management specialist. She has delivered more than 1,100 dynamic and entertaining keynotes and seminars in 48 states and five countries. She recently interviewed more than 200 managers and CEOs for her new book Secrets Your Boss Isn't Telling You. A media expert, she has appeared on numerous radio shows and has written more than 40 popular articles. She has published ten audio programs and two books, available on her website www.BounceBackHigher.com To have Colleen assist with successfully managing change and stress in your association or organization through her keynotes, seminars, and consulting, call (623)340-7690.
