Articles
How Well Are You Adapting?
October 15, 2013 (Number 50) Not far from where I live, a typewriter shop occupied part of a slightly dilapidated building up until recently. Whenever I'd walk by, I'd peek in, amazed the business was still there. At least for the past 20 years, it never seemed particularly busy.It kind of reminded me of the many leaders I've encountered who were ill-prepared for enormous change that was obviously coming. It's as if they were deliberately looking the other way rather than facing the impact these major shifts would have on their organizations — and their careers.
This phenomenon is actually quite common and we psychologists have a term for it. It's called denial.
Perhaps holding on like that typewriter shop owner isn't the worst of fates, but do you want something better for yourself? If so, here are some tips for you to consider:
- Try this experiment: Take five minutes at the end of your day to get deeply relaxed. Stand outside yourself and objectively observe the person that is you, and your situation — as if you were your own personal consultant. What are you seeing? Is this person noticing the big changes rolling toward him or her — and completely ready for them? What advice would you compassionately give him?
- Facing any major change that's not clearly positive will very likely activate your brain's survival-based limbic system. The looming change will therefore almost automatically trigger fight, flight or freeze responses. Observe the pull toward these reactions. And remind yourself that none of them will help you effectively cope with the developments that are now unfolding.
- Instead of capitulating to a survival mindset, list specific actions you can take to best adapt to the impending shifts. Next, identify the smallest, least anxiety-provoking thing you can do right now based on your list — and take that action. Then repeat, continuously. Each small step will build your confidence so that you can take increasingly larger ones.
Dean Herman, Ph.D.
