“Change is inevitable. Progress is optional.” –Tony Robbins
I have been working in Student Outreach for over six years and have seen a number of changes: from a growing team to new management and added responsibilities to now the integration of C&A Industries, Aureus Medical’s parent company, with Medical Solutions.
Sometimes change is overwhelming and scary; other times it is downright exhilarating. How we handle ourselves and those emotions can be what makes or breaks our growth in the midst of changes, whether personally or in the workplace. I have been fortunate enough to work for this wonderful company that strongly believes in professional development, including best practices for handling change. Here are some things to keep in mind when it happens to you:
- Maintain your circle of control. When everything around you is changing or feels chaotic, focus on what is within your wheelhouse.
- Be a contributor. If you have valuable information, ideas, or concerns, share them with key decision-makers. This can help make the changes easier on you as well as give you peace of mind that you’ve done what you can to make an impact.
- Ask “How can I help?” Often, when something big hits, we dwell on how it impacts us rather than how we can feel heard. Asking yourself this question puts you in more control rather than feeling like a victim, empowering you to be more of the contributor in the situation.
- Be positive. You can choose the attitude you walk around with every day. Look to see what ways the new changes will allow you to grow or have a positive effect on your environment.
- Be open-minded. You never know what is possible if you are only staring into a tunnel. It is easy to overlook all the components involved when changes are being proposed. Sometimes, it only takes a change in perspective to see it.
When it comes down to it, know that change is constant, even in the workplace. Changing censuses, changing computer systems, changing managers or coworkers. But, change has its perks. Maybe you learned how to do a procedure differently while on a travel assignment. Maybe you learned a way to better interact with a difficult patient or coworker. Now, you have developed your soft and hard skills to be a better, more marketable employee. Now, you’ve turned more frowns upside-down and enjoy a more positive work environment. Whatever the change, remember that the change will benefit you with growth, and growth is what makes a life worth living.
Veronica ‘V’ Goodwin is a Student Outreach Coordinator for the Student Outreach division of Aureus Medical Group.