The Tribune

By Ian Ferguson

There is a familiar saying that the only thing in life that is constant is change. It is inevitable, for nothing remains the same. We all change physically, emotionally, spiritually, socially and in our relationships. Our families, communities, nation and the world have all changed. Change is happening all around us. Sometime we miss the subtle changes and have to remove ourselves for a period of time to recognise that although gradual, changes have occurred.

Much attention has been given to strategies on change management to help people in business adjust to what is happening all around them. In the workplace, when changes occur, people find themselves grappling to secure what was. I believe we spend too much time as individuals, and even as business professionals, maintaining what is, recapturing nostalgic moments and calling again for the ‘good old days’, rather than embracing the opportunities and adventure that changes bring.

The apprehension in most cases, though, is understood and sometimes justified. Change often brings loss, and as Dr David Allen puts it, loss creates stress. It seems human nature is to remain in the lane that is most comfortable, and while some navigate through unchartered waters fairly quickly, most of us are challenged in embracing change.

Change, then, can be quite stressful for the individual, the employee and the business owner. But imagine the opportunities. You lose the typewriter and gain the computer; you lose the Blackberry and gain the I-Phone; you lose the experienced, retiring employee to gain the fresh and vibrant college graduate; you lose a client, which forces you to strategise and gain five more clients in their place.

Change, then, must be celebrated, and in that celebration, focus and attention must be paid to managing the necessary changes in our lives, steering them towards positive outcomes so that we do not become extinct and obsolete. Consider the corporate changes taking place in your business: Staffing, clients-customers, products, marketing strategies, business strategies, financial strategies, management and operational strategy and leadership. All these and more dynamics of corporate life are changing daily, and some tactical efforts must be employed to harness the best results.

The role of the business transformational professional, who embraces change, steering it towards intended outcomes, then aligns people, process and technology initiatives more closely with organisational objectives and company vision. Your policies and efforts must all be steered towards ensuring that the changes taking place bring to your company the most effective and efficient employees, processes and tools, allowing you to consistently deliver and change when these lose their relevance.

• NB: Ian R. Ferguson is a talent management and organisational development consultant, having completed graduate studies with regional and international universities. He has served organsations, both locally and globally, providing relevant solutions to their business growth and development issues. He may be contacted at tcconsultants@coralwave.com.