What would you do if you learned your organization was bought by another organization, was downsizing, or closing its doors tomorrow? In 30 days? Six months? In one year? Are you prepared for the change? What will you do in the future?

In this ever changing world we live in, there is one constant…change. Changes are happening faster and faster. Even what is changing has a different look. Just think of the items in your life that were not available 20, 10, 5 years, or even one year ago. Just think of the iPod, cloning, DNA, etc. Why would we think our career situation will be the same in twenty years?

The same types of changes are happening in the workplace. This is no longer the world of working twenty years for the same company. Organizations are adapting to the local, national, and global marketplaces.

How do you prepare yourself for these changes? The following techniques will enable you to master career change and create opportunities for you:

1. Create Goals
   Many times when you work for an organization for a long time, you may become complacent. Constantly develop your goals. Work on goals in the areas of career, family, education, fitness, health, and spirituality. This will create balance in your life and enable you master change when it comes.

2. Cast Your NETS Now!
   N-E-T-S means Network with Everyone for Total Success! Go out and join various industry and non-industry groups. This is a great way to spread your NETS. Volunteer and be active with these groups so that your skills can be seen and your ideas heard. This is an opportunity to develop your leadership abilities and let others know about you as a person and the skills you have to offer. As I always say:
   
   “It’s not what you know. It’s not who you know. It’s who knows what you know.”
   
   Depending on the skills, you will be looked at as an expert. Cast your NETS and let others know what you know.

3. Account for Your CPA
   C-P-A means Creating a Positive Attitude. Create a positive attitude toward your career and life so that you will not miss opportunities when they arrive. Look at challenging situations as opportunities that will prepare you for greater opportunities in the future. Realize that the projects you work on today will create new opportunities for you tomorrow.

4. Seek Knowledge
   Continuously seek knowledge to stay ahead of the change curve. Many times when we work with employees in organizations, we let employees know about educational opportunities that enhance their careers and lives. Sometimes, we receive the following response:
   
   “If the company isn’t going to pay for the class, then I am not going to take it.”
   
   Folks, we gladly spend (spend as in purchasing something with decreasing value) money on cable TV, DVD’s, etc. However, when it comes to investing in our education, we often say no.
   
   Keep in mind that once you receive your knowledge, its your knowledge, and you take it wherever you go. Additional knowledge gives you the confidence to meet challenges and embrace opportunities.
   
   Take the time to find out what benefits and educational opportunities your organization is offering and take advantage of them. Do it today.
   
   Seek knowledge and grow!

6. Connect with Your Change Barometer
   Look inward or ask a good friend or family member how you handled change in the past. Ask the following questions:

   How did you feel?
   What did you look like?
   How did you react (or not react)?

   Ask for honest feedback and take the information to learn how to handle career change and challenges in the future. It’s okay to feel a certain way during the challenge of change. It’s not okay to stay there. Also, understand that everyone handles change differently. So respect your co- workers’ feelings.

   Take time to act on these change management six secrets, and you will master downsizing  and layoff challenges in the present and create future opportunities.

Suggesting change management, downsizing, and Leadership Reading:

Leadership Techniques for Anyone: How Kermit Shared Five Leadership Secrets with the World

Eight Leadership Techniques for Outstanding Teams

Seven Secrets to Being the Leader Everyone Wants to Follow

Five Secrets to Becoming the Perfect Employee That Everyone Wants – Part One

Have You Appreciated Someone Today?

Nine Ways Johnny Carson Can Help You Run Outstanding Meetings

You Mean I Need to Promote Myself to Get a Promotion? 5 Promotion Secrets to Get the Job You Want!

Five Secrets to Gaining Credibility with Your Team for Outstanding Results

How Appetizing Is Your Feedback? (5 Steps to Giving Effective Feedback)

Ten Techniques for Motivating Others Through Chaos

10 Action Steps to Motivate Yourself to Great Accomplishments

Eight Ways to Motivate Part-Time Employees

Delegate to Accelerate Success (How to Prepare Yourself and Others for Success)

Appreciate to Motivate (The Key to Successful Team Building)

The Greatest Gift of All - The Gift of Empowerment

Leadership Secrets for Challenging Times

Words to Live By – Six Ways to Breathe Life into Your Day

Verbal Faux Pas – The Words You Use Can Empower or Confuse

Bite Your Tongue! 10 Ways to Be an Effective Listener

Five Secrets to “Thinking on Your Feet”

Ten Quick Tips for Outstanding Presentations

Dr. Seuss's "The Cat in the Hat" Will Help You Get Your Point Across! (Yes you can, here's the plan!)

How to Set Boundaries and Say No 

Want to learn how to master change management and handle downsizing during layoffs and challenging situations? Our Team Building, Life After Downsizing, How to Develop the Leader Within You, Time Management Skills to Achieve More, and How to Handle Workplace Stress and Master Your Life change management programs can help you lead others to the next level.  Also read more about change management, leadership, and motivation on our Articles page.  Call us at 757-427-7032 or e-mail us at info@thesykesgrp.com.

Suggested Success Resources

Go to Greatness to find out more and receive your free bonuses!

Find Every File™ Organizing Software by Productivity Expert Brian Hill

Make Your Life a Masterpiece by David DeFord

Achieve Your Goals with New  Motivational/Goal Setting Book Featuring Brian Tracy, Jim Rohn, Chris Widener, and Ed Sykes