Imagine the Possibilities!
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Given today's fast-paced global marketplace, economic turbulence, and political uncertainties, the windows of opportunity are narrowing and business strategies are quickly outdated and under intense scrutiny. Whether we like it or not, we are faced with change. Actually, we live change. Change should not have a stigma attached to its meaning but rather fuel our quest for advancement, improvement, trial and error, and learning.
In the late 1990s, businesses and academia were consumed with creating and embracing change management plans. These plans outlined everything from the stages of change to the change agents and change resistors to intensive deployment plans. The problem with these plans, in my opinion, is that by the time they are developed and adopted, they are outdated. These plans often focus heavily on step-by-step procedure. I further believe the most critical factor in succeeding with change is deep-seated in one's ability to view change and difference as the norm.
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Different doesn't always mean better but it sure leads to new possibilities. Change should stimulate creativity and growth. Imagine for a minute that you are a child, unencumbered by limitations; free to explore and be fascinated by the simplest of new ideas; free to declare that blue is the best color in the world one day but convinced in three days that purple reigns. Imagine that you carry these and similar attributes into your adulthood and you don't allow yourself to be limited by preconceived notions and habits. While there is a certain comfort in consistency and predictability, imagine taking comfort in embracing instability in your personal and work lives. Imagine the possibilities.
This issue of Information Outlook focuses on several members' experiences, challenges and successes with embracing change. When you are done reading take time to assess your tolerance and ability to deal with change. Start with something relatively insignificant that occurs in your daily life, such as your commute or choices of restaurants. Imagine a new route or a new cuisine. Look not at the extra transfer or traffic light but rather what you might experience on this new routea more scenic route, a walk past a new art exhibit, or interacting with new people. Expand what you learn about yourself into your professional life. Perhaps a new perspective will enlighten what you have to offer yourself, your employer and your clients. Imagine the possibilities!
Lynn K. Smith, CAE
SLA Acting Executive Director
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