It seems like every industry is going through significant change. Some people recall the “good old days” when the pace of change was slower. And unfortunately, some people join the anti-change crowd.
I would not recommend joining the anti-change crowd. Some people will decide not to change, and they may not be able to keep their job.
I learned a long time ago growing up on the farm that it is a lot easier to ride the horse in the direction it is headed.
I don’t know if you have ever been on the farm, when a horse wants to go back to the barn, it’s going back to the barn. It’s an 800-pound animal. All you have is the bit and the bridle, and the more you slap it on the ears, cuss and swear, the more likely the horse will scrape you off on a tree or the barn door on the way in.
It is the same way when it comes to organizational change. When the industry is changing, when the organization is changing, sometimes you may have to go along with it, because it is a lot easier to ride the horse in the direction it is heading.
Over the years I have witnessed and helped many organizations go through tremendous change. The people that are still there, embraced the changes, learned new skills, and didn’t get thrown from the horse.
So, stay involved, join a task force, a climate survey committee, or a transition monitoring team, and seize the opportunities.
If your organization or industry is dealing with significant change, and people are struggling, contact me at kit@welchlin.com, and I will deliver a presentation packed with change management strategies that will help.