The one sure indicator that a manager has potential for growth is a consistently open attitude to change. Those who will meet the demands of the future with success are those who are today looking for different, improved ways to deal with issues. The tried and true isn’t enough – there has to be a better way!

It’s true – the only constant is change. Change is not smooth and predictable though, it has its own friction points. The rate of change in Information and Technology far out-strip the rate of change in Behavior and its underlying Values. Reaction to change and its demands requires a sound, resilient personal strategy. This is readily recognizable in ourselves and others.

A detailed version of one effective change strategy is available on the Andros Website – Staying in Touch section. To guide you through the processes which are explained more fully there, here’s an ‘executive summary’, categorized by Attitudes and Techniques.

First, the Attitudes:

• Respond to Change - Change is a reality, so deal with it. If you ignore or discount it you can only lose in the long run. Respond in context, flexibly and elegantly.
• Think Survival - Only the organization can be ‘secure’ and this is achieved by looking out for ‘Number 1’ – the customer. There’s real strength in unity, so work together.
• Move with Purpose - Plan the work, then work the plan. Plan continuously, collaboratively and flexibly with frequent ‘reality checks’ to keep you on course.
• Keep a Steady Course - Don’t fear emotion, just use it to generate action. Keep your eye on the horizon marker and encourage clear, positive, energizing communications.
• Let Behaviors Evolve - Adaptability is the key to success, so don’t do what you do best – do what is needed. Good people are an encumbrance if they cannot change.
• Negotiate Loyalty - Value and learn from the past, but don’t live there. The only true loyalties are to organizational Vision, Mission and Values, all of which change.
• Add Value to Life - It’s change that keeps us young and vital – consider children! Life is enriched by learning, discovery and new realities, so seek them out consistently.

Now the Techniques:

• Focus on Opportunities - Every challenge contains hidden opportunities which can be found by those who are optimistic and positive before they deal with limitations.
• Make Room for Initiative - The big picture will draw out suggestions, and people will work better within guidelines than when attempting to comply with more rigid rules.
• Solutions, not Problems - Don’t ask, “Who moved the cheese?” – go find it! Channel the collective stress onto goal-focused actions. Harness the passions surrounding you.
• Embrace Considered Risk - There’s no security in standing still, you’re in the middle of a freeway. Share risks and be ready to take a different direction when indicated.
• Unlearn and Eliminate - Make room for new learning, working to create space in your thinking and actions. Simply ‘Faster, Better, Higher’, this spawns world champions.
• Cope with Errors - All errors are not equal. Creative errors have learning points which can make a real difference to your future. Careless errors cost everyone.
• Strive for Elegance - Change the way you see things before you change the way you do things. Always reduce before expanding, and simplify rather than compound.
• Promote Meaningful Successes - Focus on the goal, not on the task. Encourage intra-personal competition, reward expressions of Value and achievement of desired results.