As you think about your capacity to handle change, the thought of change is stressful for many. I recently read a study informing nearly 70% of us humans fear or resist forms of change.
Thinking about a change, I break it into two simple groups. Voluntary change, think creativity and innovation. In-voluntary change, think opportunity or reactionary panic.
As you think and evaluate your capacity for change, there must be a framework to make an objective inquiry. To me, systems drive and build our capacity in all aspects.
Systems allow delegation and expansion of human resources and capacity. Systems drive business in our daily S.O.P.s and KPIs in the business world. We, as leaders, make necessary adjustments.
In rapidly changing times, our Adaptability A.Q. is a powerful skill set. Those who develop and flex this muscle win. Those tardy to the knowledge will lose.
"In rapidly changing times, our Adaptability A.Q. is a powerful skill set."
- Jeff Rogers, CPMBC
The rate of change is now ten times that of one hundred years ago. The speed of change is like never before. Your ability to intake this information and formulate decisions as a leader is paramount for success.
To think you can behave as you have in the past is nonsense. To leverage outdated systems is foolish as well. Using yesterday's problem-solving thoughts and methods for tomorrow's situations even sounds silly.
You can build your Change Thinking Fitness Plan for starters. You can adjust first. What do you think about change in the first place? I suggest making friends with the idea of change and welcoming the opportunity change represents.
We live in a VUCA world. A word reflecting Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, and Ambiguity. This we know, and to avoid these facts is to position ourselves for failure. Your capacity to thrive in this VUCA world is entirely up to you. Daunting or exciting depending upon how you look at it.
Understanding and building a system to harness this information can be the key to your success.
This will require energy and honest work, and your self-awareness skills will require intentional development. Your desire and ability to do the work are necessary, and I believe the VUCA concept frames the requirement nicely.
As you begin your capacity to welcome, make friends with, and thrive in a changing world, you must do so with self-confidence. Not arrogance, there is a crucial point here to digest, and your balance is necessary for success.
See our VUCA Graphic for better detail.