Chapter 16: Change is good

Change is Good

About three and a half months ago, I began this series of articles with the simple assertion that change is a verb. It can, of course, be a noun, but that’s when it’s happening to you. When you’re taking the reins of change – when you’re leading progressive improvements and evolution in your company, in your relationships and in your life – it is most definitely a verb.

Throughout this series, we’ve defined change in lots of ways – always hard, a process, terrifically slow, painful, powerful, stressful, difficult, taxing, necessary.

But we didn’t come around to the ultimate, potent truth of the matter, and that is that change is good.

That’s right. Change is good. If it weren’t for change, we wouldn’t have things like democracy, safe drinking water or chocolate chip cookies.

This series has talked about models for change, tools for change and making change last. Refer back to it whenever you’re going through – or leading – a significant change, whether it’s at work, at home or in your community. And in the end, there are two key things you must remember:
1. You can lead the change, if only for yourself
2. Most change efforts are for the better

The first point – that you can lead change – is absolutely critical. Whether you’re the CEO or the lowest individual contributor on the totem pole, you hold the keys to successful change. By taking your own innate wisdom – along with what you’ve learned from this series of articles – and the belief that, at a minimum, you’re totally in charge of your own experience, you can also take the lead. Help folks create a shared need, shape a vision, mobilize commitment, change systems and structures, and make change last and you’ll be a leader.

The second point – that change is usually for the better – is the mindset you need to succeed. If, like most of your peers, you see the status quo as safety and the status quo futurus as a threat, you’ll have a sad, scary existence – especially in this industry. It’s not a good success strategy – or even a survival strategy. Preserving that status quo will squelch innovation, lower the ceiling of achievement and ensure stagnation. Realize and embrace the fact that most change is for the better and you’re headed toward a happier and less fearful career.

All good things come from change. The key is to adapt quickly, lead the change (even when it feels like it’s leading you) and master it. Bend it to your will.

Change is good.

Eryc Eyl
Freelance Writer and Business Consultant