Cope with Copeland
Tips for Navigating through Business Challenges with Greater Ease

It is Hard to Lose Control

In the early 1990s we were often told that "rapid, disruptive change in the workplace would soon end". Now we all know that that was not the truth and we are still experiencing change. The most recent change has been the down market, but fortunately it looks like that is reversing.

In this periodic ezine, I will address the topic of change and other relevant business issues. I sincerely hope that you will send me responses from time to time and add to what I have said or correct me if I get off the path.

One of the key reasons that many of us struggle is that we want to stay in CONTROL…control of our lives, our work situation, and our position at work. To change, however, is to realize that we have to give up some measure of control as we see changes in our company or our market or our job position.

Recently I received a phone call from a woman who works in the banking/financial industry where one would think there is security. However, she was told that her department was being reduced at year end from eight to two and a half. Is she one of those? Would she be laid off or relocated? How do she and her department concentrate on the work to be done in these circumstances? She is suddenly feeling a loss of control over her circumstances.

What would you say to someone like that? I tried to get her to focus on doing the best job possible where she is, to being a calming influence to her staff, but at the same time to use her "third eye" to begin to look for something else should she be laid off.

It is often chaotic and disquieting when we are going through change. We are not completely in control and the only way to get through it is to stay calm and focused. Is it hard to do? Yes, but it is necessary to navigate troubled and swirling waters.